Kwankwaso never threatened to leave us – NDC

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has disclosed that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, never threatened to leave the party.

NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed that such claims were speculations aimed at demarketing the party.

In an interview with Arise News on Saturday night, Director blamed the ruling party and some opposition members for such speculations.

He said: “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso threatened to leave the party, those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party and we know where they are coming from.

“Apart from media speculation and those who do not want us to succeed, there were instances in a particular constituency in Delta State where an incumbent allegedly supported five or six aspirants to run against Collins Edema.”

It was widely reported that the former Kano State governor threatened to dump the NDC if his candidates in Kano State were replaced.

NDC had replaced several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State over an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

Newspot

Kenneth Okonkwo faces another N5 billion suit over alleged bribe by NDC aspirants

 

 

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has slammed a lawsuit against a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made against him.

Okonkwo had, in an interview on Channels TV on June 8, 2026, allegedly linked the former governor to alleged extortion of aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

He said, “This is why the NDC released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems.

“Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants”.

Responding, Udenwa’s legal counsel, Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN, demanded a retraction, a public apology and N5 billion in damages.

The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi had also dragged the actor-turned politician to court over the same allegation. Newspot.

The Senate Committee on Army has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd.), former Director of Defence Information and a proud son of Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
In a press release signed over the weekend by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Committee, the lawmakers said General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Katsina–Matazu road.
The Committee said that throughout his career and in retirement, the late general served Nigeria with honour and continued to contribute meaningfully to national security discourse.
It extended sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Nigerian Army, the people of Batsari LGA, and the entire Katsina State. “We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannah Firdaus and gives his family the fortitude to bear this loss,” the statement said.
The Committee also reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Executive and security agencies to strengthen measures that protect lives and property. It saluted the dedication of security personnel and urged Nigerians to remain united and patient as efforts to restore peace continue.
Authority

Nigerian Navy arrests three suspects over pipeline vandalism in Bayelsa

 

 

The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

 

The arrest followed a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor. Subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in the spillage of crude oil and posing a threat to critical national energy infrastructure.

 

Acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari Community in the early hours of 12 June 2026, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Preliminary investigations established their involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.

 

The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria’s economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage.

 

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations, after which the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

 

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.

June 12: Governor Ododo Calls for protection of Nigeria’s Democracy

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Friday in Lokoja called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in protecting and strengthening the nation’s democracy.
Governor Ododo described June 12 as a defining symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold democratic governance.
Ododo who made the call in his democracy day message congratulated citizens across the country on another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging them to reflect on the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy and recommit themselves to the ideals that sustain the nation.
The governor noted that Democracy Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of democratic institutions while acknowledging the efforts of patriots whose struggles laid the foundation for the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, democracy remains the most credible platform through which citizens exercise their sovereign will, elect leaders, and hold governments accountable.
“Despite the challenges that have confronted us as a nation, democracy has continued to provide the framework for peace, development, participation, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms,” he stated.
The governor urged Nigerians to reject actions capable of weakening democratic institutions, stressing the need to embrace tolerance, dialogue, national unity, and responsible citizenship.
He observed that the gains recorded under democratic governance were secured through years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment by individuals who believed in the vision of a better Nigeria.
Drawing inspiration from the words of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Governor Ododo noted that “good governance remains a critical factor in promoting development and reducing poverty, adding that democracy provides the foundation upon which effective governance can flourish.”
The Kogi State governor also paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of democracy whose political journey reflects the triumph of democratic struggle and perseverance.
Ododo said President Tinubu stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other pro-democracy advocates during some of the nation’s most turbulent political periods and has now earned the opportunity to serve the country at its highest level through the democratic process.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the President and leaders at all levels of government, emphasizing that nation-building requires the collective efforts, patriotism, and positive contributions of all citizens.
The governor reserved special recognition for the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, describing him as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s democratic consciousness and a pillar of the nation’s democratic heritage.
According to Ododo, Abiola possessed the wealth and influence to abandon the democratic struggle but instead chose to stand firmly for the Nigerian people, a sacrifice that helped birth the nation’s modern democracy.
He urged citizens to remain united in their resolve to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation anchored on democratic principles and good governance.

Democracy Day: PDP urges Nigerians to remain hopeful

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians not to lose hope despite the political and economic challenges facing the country, assuring citizens that democracy remains the best pathway to accountable governance, national development, and the protection of fundamental rights.
In a Democracy Day message signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jugundo Mohammed on Friday, the PDP congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of June 12 and paid tribute to their resilience, patriotism, and commitment to democratic governance.
The PDP acknowledged the difficulties confronting the nation but urged citizens not to surrender to despair, insisting that the country’s challenges are temporary and can be overcome through responsible leadership and stronger democratic institutions.
According to the party, democracy remains the strongest guarantee for transparent leadership, national progress, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“While our nation continues to face significant political and economic challenges, Nigerians should not lose faith in democracy or despair about the future of our country,” the statement said.
The party expressed confidence that with collective determination, unity, and active civic participation, Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties and achieve lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.
It further maintained that the country’s challenges are surmountable through the collective resolve of the people and leaders committed to national development.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the PDP described itself as a party with a rich democratic heritage and a viable platform for the promotion, defence, and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
The party pledged to continue working with Nigerians to restore hope, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
The opposition party also wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day celebration.

Is insecurity fast-forwarding the end of democracy?

 

 

By Ike Abonyi

“Democracy doesn’t rule the world, You’d better get that in your head; This world is ruled by violence, But I guess that’s better left unsaid.” —Bob Dylan

 

 

The central question facing Nigeria is whether escalating insecurity is accelerating the decline of its democratic system. As Wole Soyinka eloquently stated, ‘You cannot feed a hungry man with a ballot paper, and you cannot protect a terrified family with a constitution. If democracy cannot deliver bread and safety, the people will eventually tear down the temple.’

 

Across Nigeria, a significant portion of the population, even those who outwardly profess democratic ideals, are privately concluding that if the current democratic experiment fails to guarantee citizen security—the most fundamental responsibility of governance—then its continuation is untenable. The Nigerian populace appears to be approaching the precipice of dismantling democratic structures, a scenario foreshadowed by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

 

Ironically, ethnic considerations and age seem to have tempered the renowned literary figure’s usual incisive critique of national affairs, leading to his diminished public engagement on these issues. Should Nigeria’s democracy falter, as current trends strongly suggest, the primary beneficiary would undoubtedly be the military. One can speculate that if Nigeria’s former military dictator, General Sani Abacha, were alive today, his reputation for maintaining order would likely position him as a heroic figure, offering a potential solution to the relentless bloodshed plaguing the nation.

 

During his tenure, General Abacha demonstrated considerable prowess in security matters. Despite widespread corruption allegations, his administration was notably disciplined across all sectors. The country experienced a secure environment and economic stability, with the national currency enjoying a period of unprecedented steadiness. However, debate persists regarding whether these achievements were attributable to Abacha’s individual leadership or the nature of his authoritarian governance.

 

Before Muhammadu Buhari came to power, his campaign strategists frequently highlighted his decisive handling of the Maitatsine uprising in Yola in 1984 during his military rule, promising an end to the terrorism and banditry currently plaguing the nation. Yet, from 2015 to 2023, Nigeria witnessed a markedly different Buhari, whose administration inadvertently fostered the current security crisis. This raises a pertinent question: is democracy, as practised in Nigeria and many other practisedations, primarily serving as a mechanism for elite enrichment rather than delivering tangible benefits to the burgeoning impoverished population?

 

The recent successes of military interventions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger lend credence to this line of reasoning. After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Nigerians are reaching a point where they may openly declare that a secure nation under military rule is preferable to an insecure democratic one. If the United Nations were to conduct a referendum in Nigeria comparing the current democratic system since 1999 with past military regimes, the results could be surprising.

 

Ultimately, what is the value of any governmental system that cannot safeguard its citizens? Given that the primary mandate of any government is the protection of lives and property, and its failure to fulfil this core duty, why should it fulfil this at the expense of its populace? If Nigeria’s prevailing model of democracy has consistently failed to provide leadership capable of ensuring citizen security, is it not imperative to explore alternative forms of governance?

 

We stand at a critical juncture where we must acknowledge Karl Popper’s observation: ‘A democracy that cannot defend itself, that cannot protect its citizens from violence and disruption, will eventually be overthrown by those who promise order at the expense of freedom.’ Similarly, Timothy Snyder astutely noted, ‘People do not choose fascism or authoritarianism because they love dictatorship; they choose it because they are terrified of chaos. When democracy means instability, the strongman begins to look like a saviour.’

 

The democratic shortcomings of Burkina Faso paved the way for Captain Ibrahim Traoré, a 38-year-old leader now hailed as a hero, prompting questions about the efficacy of democracy. Democracy cannot thrive on mere pronouncements; it requires demonstrable action. For citizens to actively defend a democratic system, that system must possess the capacity, political will, and institutional strength to ensure national security.

 

The question of whether a struggling democracy can effectively secure a nation directly addresses the fundamental social contract. When a government fails to provide basic safety, abstract democratic principles like freedom of speech, voting rights, and the rule of law can quickly become perceived as hollow luxuries for individuals preoccupied with mere survival.

 

Historically and globally, a democratic government’s failure to deliver security leads to a rapid erosion of public trust. Nigeria is currently experiencing this phenomenon. This pattern typically manifests through several critical realities: At its most basic function, the state’s purpose is to shield its citizens from both internal and external threats. Citizens cede a degree of their individual autonomy to the state in return for protection.

 

If a democratic government is incapable of securing its borders, transportation routes, or communities, it fundamentally defaults on its primary obligation. When even school children are vulnerable to banditry, terrorism, or pervasive lawlessness, the legitimacy of that democratic framework is severely undermined. Our pretence of democratic governance is an illusion of freedom devoid of actual safety.

 

This reintroduces the question: Can an individual truly exercise democratic rights when living under constant fear? Have President Bola Tinubu’s assertive stance and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) actions leading up to the 2027 general election adequately addressed concerns about electoral integrity?

 

Security crises directly imperil democratic processes. It becomes exceedingly difficult to conduct fair, transparent, and high-turnout elections when voters, election officials, and candidates face physical threats, especially when there is perceived bias within electoral bodies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as law enforcement and judicial institutions.

 

In a nation characterised by over two hundred ethnic groups, where tribalism significantly influences the political landscape, the concentration of key electoral officials from the same ethnic group as the President raises serious questions. History demonstrates that prolonged insecurity, as seen in Nigeria today, can create an environment ripe for the appeal of a strongman, making citizens highly susceptible to populist or authoritarian rhetoric. Individuals may willingly trade political pluralism, checks and balances, and civil liberties for a centralised, decisive authority, particularly if such an order has never truly existed.

 

While authoritarian measures or military interventions often prove to be a trap, offering a seductive promise of a quick resolution—frequently exchanging one form of insecurity for another and introducing state repression without addressing the root socio-economic causes of conflict—when faced with a choice between two undesirable options, the one that prioritises citizen security invariably prioritises recedence.

 

Daily survival becomes paramount; freedoms of movement, assembly, and economic activity hold little value if venturing outside one’s home poses a risk to life or livelihood. Security forms the bedrock upon which all other democratic freedoms are built. When democratic institutions appear weak or paralysed by security crises, public opinion often shifts towards desperation. This represents a gradual, agonising decay from within.

 

Reflecting on India’s democratic journey over the past two decades, one finds strong resonance with the assertion by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt in their book, ‘How Democracies Die.’ They contend that democratic decline is rarely a sudden event like a military coup; instead, it is more frequently a gradual, debilitating internal decay. In such scenarios, democratic structures may persist formally, yet the populace loses all confidence in their capacity to offer protection.

 

In this context, one must question what remains democratic when citizens openly express profound disappointment with the current administration, advocating for its removal, yet feel powerless to effect change. This sentiment arises despite the concentration of power, with key positions held by allies, the support of all 36 state governors, the systematic dismantling of opposition parties, and substantial financial resources allegedly allocated for re-election. The question then becomes: who possesses the ability to counter such influence?

 

Nevertheless, it begs further inquiry as to why, despite these apparent advantages, the current leadership appears apprehensive about the 2027 elections. Could this apprehension stem from an acknowledgement, as suggested by Prof that the populace is poised for radical action?

 

While the future remains uncertain, it is undeniable that in a nation plagued by insecurity, where citizens, including school children, lack basic safety, the very concept of democracy holds little sway. Professor Chinua Achebe, in his seminal work ‘The Trouble With Nigeria,’ eloquently captured this sentiment, stating that when a democracy falters, it is not primarily the politicians who bear the brunt, but the ordinary citizen whose freedoms are sacrificed for security, and whose vote becomes inconsequential in the face of coercion. The escalating security challenges in Nigeria have undeniably shifted the public’s expectations, fostering a demand for a fundamentally different leadership paradigm. Consequently, the upcoming 2027 election is poised to be a pivotal moment. May providence guide us.

Joint DSS-Army team foil planned attacks, kidnap by ESN in S/Nigeria, recover high-calibre arms

 

 

The Department of State Services (DSS), backed by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack several security checkpoints, kidnap women, students and children across the Southeast States.

A security source disclosed that, acting on intelligence acquired by the DSS, two ESN field commanders coordinating the planned attacks were apprehended on Monday in Garki, Enugu State.

 

The source further revealed that, based on the leads supplied by the nabbed ESN commanders, DSS sought the backing of troops from 82 Division, and executed a covert operation.

 

The operation led to the raids by DSS officers and soldiers on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.

 

The raids, disclosed the source, led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre arms including a rocket launcher, two RPG (rocket propelled grenade) warheads, three RPG chargers, 11 AK-47 rifles, 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton and two teargas canisters.

 

The raids also led to the recovery of one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards. The source disclosed that intelligence revealed that the ESN members were to have used the NYSC uniforms as a cover to launch the attacks.

 

Intelligence gathered from the arrested ESN field commanders, according to another source, revealed that members of the terrorist organization were to have launched massive attacks across the Southeast States, kidnap women, students and children, spread fear and create the impression that the region has been overtaken by insecurity.

 

The Enugu recoveries came barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.

 

The suspects, including two Nigeriens, were nabbed in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states. Recovered from the men were 15 AK 103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.

 

The outlawed group has been responsible for series of kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the Southeast, declared the source.

 

The raids on ESN armoury in Enugu State came shortly after a recent arrest by the DSS of several suspected members of the outlawed organization in the State. Globalupfront.

Bandits kill vice principal, six-year-old, one other in Kogi state

 

 

Bandits have killed a Vice Principal, a 6-year-old child, and another person when they invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State

The attack was said to have occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.

The Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer Afusat Saliu confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.

Penpushing further reports that Saliu added that the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.

 

The police spokesperson added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation, explaining that preliminary findings indicated that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.

 

“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush. Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents’, she said.

 

According to the statement assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident, and equally confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.

 

“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident, three persons were killed during the attack. They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”

 

The statement said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

 

The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. According to the Command, joint security operatives are still conducting intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

 

‘Members of the public were urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information. Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added. Penpushing.

Atiku calls for declaration of emergency on security

 

*Says attacks on schools may cripple education, development

 

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, expressing concern that the terrorists and bandits attacks are now targeted at not only wasting precious human lives, but crippling the country’s  education.

 

Atiku raised the concern on Wednesday following the latest attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in which three persons, including the Vice Principal of the school, and two others were killed while several students   were abducted.

 

Recall that a total of not less than 90 school children were on May 15 abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and the principal in the Oriire school beheaded.

 

The PDP presidential candidate in the 2027 election is worried that there is a pattern in these attacks aimed at crippling our education sector and consequently stalling our development strides.

 

The former Vice President therefore, calls for the declaration of emergency on security in Nigeria. He, however, noted that the envisaged state of emergency on security does not include the suspension of elected officials of states.

 

According to the Waziri Adamawa, the latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action.

 

“It is high time the Federal Government declared a statement of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the county,” Atiku said.

 

“I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference.”

 

The ADC Presidential candidate explained that “Nigeria is facing worsening insecurity that demands extraordinary measures, including state of emergency.

 

“Learning can only take place in a safe environment and terrorist attacks on schools are increasingly making our schools dangerous places. Worse still, the anxiety and trauma that follow terrorist attacks on schools will inevitably make the school environment unsafe for both students and teachers.

 

“Under no circumstances, should we allow terrorists or bandits to destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school.”

 

The former Vice President added that “a terrorist attack on one one school is a threat to schools elsewhere across the country because of its domino-effect.”

 

As part of the drastic measures to address these security challenges, Atiku advocated the establishment of national guards made up of retired veterans to complement the efforts of our military and police that are clearly overstretched and under-manned.”

 

He also called for improved human intelligence on terrorist movements and greater community vigilance, explaining that “our communities have a great role to play in information sharing and eternal vigilance.”