APC halts declaration of candidates by state election committees

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed panels mandated to conduct the House of Representatives primaries across the country to halt the declaration of candidates. Instead, the party leadership has instructed the panels to collate reports and forward them to the party’s national headquarters.

A source close to the party’s NWC confided in LEADERSHIP Newspaper that the decision followed complaints received from stakeholders across the country.

Meanwhile, Starnews NG reports yesterday that the APC announced the procedures for collating and announcing results from the National Assembly primary elections, which are set to take place across the country. In a memo dated 17th May 2026, the party outlined the established protocols to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.

The memo, addressed to all Chairmen of the National Assembly Primary Election Committees, details the specific steps to be followed.

The memo, signed by the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, condemned the announcement of election results on cameras, describing it as “wrong and an abuse of processes.”

The APC also prohibited all committees from conducting media briefings in their respective states. “Any official briefings, when necessary, will be conducted exclusively in Abuja after the submission of all results,” the memo clearly stated.
Starnews.

Boy Child Day: Future of Nigerian children under threat, says Obi

Former Anambra State governor and leading presidential figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the future of Nigerian children, particularly boys, citing insecurity, hunger, poor access to education and healthcare, and rising social challenges as major threats to their development.

Obi made the remarks in a message marking the International Day of the Boy Child, where he called for greater investment in children’s welfare and protection to secure the nation’s future.

Referencing the late Nelson Mandela, Obi quoted: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children,” saying the condition of Nigerian children reflects deeper societal challenges.

According to him, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the realities facing boys in a country battling insecurity, mass abductions, hunger, and inadequate investment in critical sectors.

“Yesterday, the world celebrated the International Day of the Boy Child. For me, it served as a moment for deep reflection on the future of our boys in a country that grapples with severe insecurity, large-scale abductions, hunger, and insufficient investment in healthcare and education, all of which threaten the lives and prospects of our children,” Obi stated.

The former presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, said children are often described as future leaders but questioned how they could effectively assume such responsibilities without adequate support and protection during their formative years.

He identified hunger, malnutrition, poor access to education and healthcare, insecurity, and moral decline as major obstacles confronting Nigerian boys.

“For the boy child to grow into a responsible and productive adult, it is crucial to provide him with a solid foundational education, equip him with useful skills, and mentor him with progressive values that contribute to a better society,” he said.

Obi also cited American social reformer Frederick Douglass, quoting: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” while urging leaders to prioritise investment in children’s development.

He called for an end to what he described as neglect of young boys and stressed the need to secure their future through quality education, skills acquisition, and opportunities for growth.

Addressing Nigerian boys directly, Obi encouraged them to remain hopeful despite prevailing challenges.

“To all the boys out there: hold on to your dreams. We are working towards creating a nation that not only safeguards your lives and invests in your futures but also nurtures your growth and inspires your ambitions,” he said.

2027: Turaki-led PDP faction screens 3,000 aspirants Tuesday

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki has announced plans to screen 3,181 aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction made the disclosure in a statement published on its official X handle on Sunday, revealing the constitution of screening committees and appeal panels as part of preparations for candidate selection.

According to the party, the aspirants comprising 2,122 seeking seats in state Houses of Assembly, 748 aspiring to the House of Representatives, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship hopefuls, and one presidential aspirant.

The statement said the decision followed the approval of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections by the party’s National Executive Committee during its 104th meeting.

“Following the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th Meeting, the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) hereby announces the publication of the under-listed members to serve as the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels,” the statement read.

The party added that the publication was in line with its guidelines for the conduct of primaries and other activities leading to the 2027 elections.

The screening exercise is scheduled to take place nationwide on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

“Consequently, the total number of aspirants expected to be screened are: 2,122 SHOA, 748 HOR, 198 Senatorial, 112 Gubernatorial and 1 Presidential,” the statement added.

The faction urged aspirants requiring additional information to contact the organising secretary of the Interim National Working Committee through the party’s national secretariat.

The development comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, which has split the party into rival camps.

The faction, led by a 13-member Interim National Working Committee chaired by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has continued to implement its own timetable, conduct political activities and sell nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections.

Authority.

International Day of the Boy Child: Peter Obi reflects on the challenges faced by the Nigerian boy child

Peter Obi, a leading presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, has extended his congratulations to the Nigerian Boy Child in recognition of International Day of the Boy Child, while also expressing his concerns regarding their circumstances in the country.

In a message shared on his X account, Obi cited Nelson Mandela’s poignant observation: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children,” highlighting the serious issues the Nigerian Boy Child is facing.

He elaborated, stating, “Yesterday, the world celebrated the International Day of the Boy Child. For me, it served as a moment for deep reflection on the future of our boys in a country that grapples with severe insecurity, large-scale abductions, hunger, and insufficient investment in healthcare and education, all of which threaten the lives and prospects of our children.

*It is widely accepted that children are the leaders of tomorrow, and rightly so. Yet, how can we expect them to lead effectively if we do not protect their lives and futures today? Our boys are confronted with severe hunger and malnutrition, a deficiency of basic education and primary healthcare, worsening insecurity and mass abductions, and rising social moral decay—facing numerous challenges from the time they are born.

Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” We must put an end to the neglect and mistreatment of our boys and start securing their lives and investing in their futures for the sake of our shared national destiny.

“As I have consistently said, the society we harm today will ultimately hold us accountable tomorrow.

To all the boys out there: hold on to your dreams. We are working towards creating a nation that not only safeguards your lives and invests in your futures but also nurtures your growth and inspires your ambitions, enabling you to seize global opportunities that align with your talents and aspirations.

Facts about slain ISIS Commander, Al-Minuki

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Nigeria-born ISIS commander described by United States, President Donald Trump, as the “most active terrorist in the world,” has drawn global attention following reports of his killing in a joint counterterrorism operation by American and Nigerian forces.

Newspotng reports that Trump announced on Friday that al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated mission involving US forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Here are things to know about the terrorist

US sanctions records identified him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki listed among his aliases.

He was reportedly born in 1982 in Mainok, near Benisheikh in Borno State, an area long affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.

The US State Department designated al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023.

The designation blocked assets linked to him under US jurisdiction and prohibited Americans from conducting transactions with him.

According to Daily Trust, security analysts believe al-Minuki gained prominence in ISWAP after the death of Mamman Nur in 2018.

He was reportedly involved in ISIS financial operations, recruitment and strategic planning across parts of West Africa.

Trump described al-Minuki as one of ISIS’s most dangerous leaders, saying his death would weaken the group’s international operations.

The US President said the militants would no longer “terrorise the people of Africa” or support plots against American interests.

There has been confusion over the spelling of his name.

While several reports identified him as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, US sanctions documents listed him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki as an alias.

Security experts say the killing could disrupt ISIS financing, recruitment and planning in West Africa.

However, they warned that extremist groups often replace commanders quickly, meaning the long-term impact would depend on sustained military and intelligence pressure.

Pint-sized Mahmud withdraws from Sabon Gari Reps race

Just a few hours before the scheduled primary election of the All Progressives Congress held in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026, an aspirant for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency seat, Mahmud Sadis Buba, officially announced his withdrawal from the contest.

The withdrawal, which came around 3 a.m. on the day fixed for the primary election, has generated political reactions within party circles and among supporters across the constituency.

In a statement personally signed and shared on his Facebook page, Mahmud Sadis Buba explained that his decision followed ongoing reconciliation efforts initiated by leaders and stakeholders of the party aimed at promoting unity and consensus within the APC.

According to him, after consultations with his family, political associates and party stakeholders, he resolved that stepping down from the race was in the best interest of the party and necessary to strengthen unity ahead of future elections.

The politician stated that supporting a consensus arrangement within the party was more important than personal ambition, stressing that unity remains critical to the electoral success and stability of the APC in Kaduna State and the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency.

Mahmud Sadis Buba also appreciated the leader of the party in the state, Uba Sani, alongside the APC leadership in Kaduna State, for giving him the opportunity to participate in the political process.

He described the experience as rewarding and thanked his supporters for their encouragement, loyalty and support throughout the period of consultations and political engagements.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the ruling party, the former aspirant maintained that his withdrawal should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather a sacrifice made for the collective interest of the APC.

He further called on his supporters to remain calm, united and fully support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate in the primary election.

Meanwhile, the development has continued to generate mixed reactions on social media, with some political observers linking the withdrawal to recent debates and allegations circulating online concerning issues related to his age and physical stature. However, no official statement has connected those claims to his decision to step down from the race.

Political observers believe the last-minute withdrawal may further strengthen ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Kaduna APC as the party prepares for future political contests in the state. Starnews

Joint US-Nigeria operation eliminates senior ISIS commander, others

United States President Donald Trump and President Bola TinubuTinubu of Nigeria have announced and hailed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the Islamic State group globally, following a joint military operation involving American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In a statement released late Friday night through his official social media account, Trump said the operation was carried out under his direct order and involved what he described as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”

According to the U.S. president, the operation successfully eliminated one of the world’s most active terrorist figures, whom he accused of coordinating attacks across Africa and supporting plots targeting Americans.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump stated.

He identified the target as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

Trump further claimed the terrorist leader believed he could evade capture by hiding in Africa but said intelligence sources closely monitored his movements before the operation was launched.

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump added.

The American leader said the killing of the ISIS commander would significantly weaken the terrorist group’s global network and operational capacity.

“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he declared.

Trump also praised the Nigerian government and military authorities for their cooperation and partnership during the mission, describing the joint effort as a major success in the international fight against terrorism.

“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation,” he said before concluding the statement with: “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

The announcement has already sparked widespread reactions internationally, especially across Africa and the global security community, with analysts describing the reported elimination of the ISIS figure as a potentially significant blow against extremist operations on the continent.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the Federal Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria had issued an official statement confirming details of the operation. (With additional report from Star news)

Dangote Refinery takes Fed Govt to court over petrol import licences

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dragged the Federal Government to court over the issuance of fresh petrol import licences to several oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), despite increasing local refining capacity.

On May 15, 2026, court filings revealed that the refinery asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to nullify the import permits approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), arguing that the licences violate existing petroleum regulations and negatively affect local refining operations.

According to reports, Dangote Refinery maintained that petrol importation should only be permitted when local production is unable to meet domestic demand.

The company also argued that continued fuel imports undermine investments made in Nigeria’s refining sector and discourage local production.

The legal action comes amid renewed tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry following the approval of import licences reportedly granted to six major marketers.

Industry regulators, however, insist that fuel imports remain necessary to maintain adequate supply and prevent shortages across the country.

Security and energy analysts believe the case could significantly shape the future of Nigeria’s fuel market, competition policies, and the government’s commitment to supporting domestic refining capacity. Starnews.

Rivers: Police dismiss five officers over alleged robbery, kidnapping

The Police Command in Rivers has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, made the disclosure in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.

Placid said that the officers were involved in a pattern of criminal activities between September 2025 and January 2026 across the state.

The force spokesman listed the dismissed officers as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu

According to him, the case became known following petitions submitted by a group, the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.

He explained that the officers allegedly operated in minibuses and conducted illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting members of the public were intercepted at gunpoint.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts.

“They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion,” he said.

He stated that investigations further revealed that the syndicate allegedly abducted a male victim along Aba Road and forcefully dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

Another victim, he said, was allegedly abducted and dispossessed of over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim reportedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

“After the officers were arrested, an orderly room proceeding found them culpable, leading to their dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force with immediate effect.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” he stated.

The police spokesman added that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges were expected to be filled within 30 days.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to professionalism, accountability, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights.

(NAN)

NDC vehicle for positive change, says Ex PDP image maker

The former Publicity Secretary of Anambra State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Nnamdi Nwangwu has described Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the vehicle for positive change in Nigeria.

Mr Nwangwu who was speaking with journalists in his Uruagu-Nnewi residence noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has proven to be incapable of taking Nigeria to the promised land.

He pointed out that the eleven years of APC controlled government has spelled doom to the common people in the country noting that it’s only individuals who belong to the oppressive cabal club appear to be at ease.

Mr Nwangwu said that allowing APC to control the government machinery in the next dispensation would spell colossal tragedy to citizens whose lives have been reduced lower than the value of goats under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Everything has totally collapsed in Nigeria because of the cluelessness of individuals saddled with responsibility of piloting the affairs of Nigeria in the last eleven years, nothing absolutely nothing is working.

“The level of insecurity has become an all time high, with bandits and terrorists killing and maiming people while the government of the day looks on as if it doesn’t matter.

“Closely associated to the above is horrible hunger and starvation in the country, because of insecurity, many farmers can no longer go to their farms, the ones who dares go to farm have been slaughtered like cow.

“Of course, lives of Nigerians do not matter to the diectionless administration which specializes in wailing over the activities of criminals who have taken over the entire country.

“Many companies have closed shops because of unavailability of raw materials and other factors of production, leading to unprecedented level of unemployment all over the country. The nation’s education sector churn out graduates on yearly basis without any assurance of job opportunities.

“The reality of our existence today under the inglorious administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that Nigerian youths prefer to stay abroad where they suffer all manners of indignation just because the Homeland does not offer them credible alternative.” Mr Nwangwu pointed out.

The former Spokesperson for PDP in Anambra State said that it has become imperative for Nigerians to realize that APC cannot continue to be in the saddle of leadership while they daily dream and hope for a better today and a glorious tomorrow.

He said as matter of fact that time has come for all Nigerians to get their Voters cards and say bye bye to the bad riddance that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government inflicted on them.

Mr Nwangwu who said he could go on all day to role out the failures of the government of the day asserted that the credible alternative is National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“The positive change Nigerians demand and deserve cannot be gotten from any other political party, NDC is the vehicle prepared for the positive change Nigerians are yearning for, anything less would be tantamount to doing things same way all over and expecting different results.” He concluded. Authority