NDC not perfect, but better than other parties says Dickson, calls for reconciliation

 

Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called on party members and aspirants to embrace reconciliation following the party’s recent primary elections, while acknowledging that while the NDC is not perfect, it has performed better than older political parties in the country.

 

Speaking at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party on Wednesday in Abuja, Dickson admitted reports of irregularities during the primaries but maintained that the party had established mechanisms to address grievances in line with its constitution, guidelines and electoral laws.

 

“We have not started campaigning, but when we start, they will hear from us,” Dickson declared. “Even that party that has been there since 2015, you saw reports from their primaries. So it is not surprising that we had a few reports. The party has set up a system to deal with those issues in accordance with our constitution, guidelines and electoral law.”

 

The former Bayelsa State governor urged aspirants who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to remain committed to the party, noting that they had become stakeholders through their contributions and participation.

 

“Most of you have proven yourselves as financial members of our party, and you have earned the right to become stakeholders. Even if the outcome has not been favourable to you, take it that you may have lost today but may win tomorrow. In whatever has happened, it is the party that has won,” he said.

 

Dickson announced plans for a nationwide reconciliation process and directed state chairmen and zonal leaders to establish mechanisms for conflict resolution and consensus building.

 

“We will take on reconciliation and it will be duly announced. I call on all the chairmen, as they get back, to consult with their leaders and put in place a mechanism for resolution, consensus building and reconciliation,” he said.

 

The NDC leader also unveiled plans to introduce electronic voting for all future party primaries and congresses, describing it as part of the party’s commitment to innovation and transparency.

 

“This primary will be the first and last manual primary election conducted by the NDC. In the next couple of months, we shall unveil our platform for electronic voting for all primaries and congresses,” he said.

 

According to Dickson, Nigeria has lagged behind in adopting technology-driven electoral processes, and the NDC intends to lead the way.

 

“Some of us have been fighting not only for electronic transmission of results but even for electronic voting itself. If Nigeria is not seeing reason and is lagging behind, the NDC will show the way.”

 

He appealed to party members to remain patient as the relatively new party continues to build its structures and infrastructure.

 

“We are not claiming perfection. We are just two or three months old and need massive logistics and infrastructure. Even those who claim to be better have done worse. All we require is that you bear with us. That is your sacrifice and contribution to the growth of our party and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.

 

Also speaking at the meeting, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appealed to members to put aside personal disappointments and focus on the party’s long-term goals.

 

“Please, I am begging all of us to be more tolerant, understanding and willing to sacrifice. Let us not be occupied with the disappointment of today. Let us look at tomorrow,” Obi said.

 

He assured members that the party would continue to improve and pledged that an NDC-led government would be inclusive and accommodating.

 

“As I say in every meeting of this party, when we are opportune to form government, we will show that the party is supreme and we will have a sense of accommodation for all,” he stated.

 

Obi also expressed concern over the nation’s worsening security situation, citing frequent reports of kidnappings, killings and school closures.

 

 

“Every day I read about Nigeria, it is bad news. Everybody wakes up hearing the next news about people being kidnapped or killed. Schools are closed across Nigeria and our children can no longer go to school,” he lamented.

 

 

The former Anambra State governor announced plans to embark on visits across the country to engage directly with party members and ordinary Nigerians.

 

 

“You cannot assess Nigeria from Abuja. You must assess it from our villages. I want to see those bad roads and those schools where our children learn without proper buildings. That is where we want to go,” he said.

 

 

Earlier, the National Chairman of the NDC, Dr. Cleopas Zuwoghe, described the rapid growth of the party as extraordinary, noting that within two months of its registration, it had conducted membership registration, congresses, a convention and primary elections.

 

 

“The party is just two months old, and within that period we have conducted primaries and produced the best presidential candidate in this country,” he said.

 

Cleopas likened the NDC to the biblical Noah’s Ark, expressing confidence that the party would play a historic role in rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.

 

 

“The Noah’s Ark never missed its navigational lines. It never lost any destiny that found its way into it. That is why I have a strong conviction that this NDC, which has been likened to our generational Noah’s Ark, shall not fail until Nigeria is delivered,” he said.

 

 

While admitting that no human endeavour could be perfect, the chairman praised party officials and members for successfully conducting the primaries without any reported casualties.

 

 

“There is nowhere this kind of political struggle occurs without some level of dissatisfaction. But there was no casualty recorded. Everyone who travelled for party assignments returned safely. This too can be the hand of God,” he added.

 

 

The meeting was attended by new decampees including former Deputy Senate President Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Sen. Nkechi Nwogu, members of the state executive committees and other party leaders. Authority.

Obi to kidnappers: Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate for the upcoming presidential election in 2027, Peter Obi, has pleaded with kidnappers holding school children and their teachers for over two weeks to release them for the sake of humanity.

Writing on his X platform on Wednesday, Obi said, “I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.

“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.

“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.

“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.

“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately.  Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families,” Obi appealed.

 

Gunmen abduct ex-Tinubu Minister Adelabu’s sister, twin sons in Ibadan

 

 

Yet to be identified gunmen have kidnapped one of the sisters of the immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

 

Adelabu recently resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu to contest the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State. He reportedly lost the election to Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

 

DAILY POST gathered that Adelabu’s sister was kidnapped alongside her twin sons in the early hours of Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

 

 

The abducted woman was identified as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, while her twin sons were named Peter and Paul.

 

It was learnt that the incident occurred when the woman was on her way to drop the twins at their school.

 

As at the time of this report, there whereabouts is unknown.

 

Efforts to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, were not successful at at the time of filing this report on Wednesday.

 

However, a media aide to the former minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the incident.

 

Awogboro said the incident has been reported to the police.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Awogboro said, “The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

 

“Mrs John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident.

 

“Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

 

“Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.” DailyPost.

Northern senators urge FG action as cholera kills 37 in Borno

The Northern Senators Forum has commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the tragic loss of 37 lives to an ongoing cholera outbreak. In a statement signed by Chairman Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the Forum also extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayed Almighty Allah grant the departed eternal rest and their families fortitude to bear the loss.
The Forum said it is deeply concerned by reports of over 3,000 cholera cases across 7 local government areas in the state. Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere bear the heaviest burden, while the 1% case fatality rate and strain on health infrastructure described by the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency constitute a serious public health emergency.
In light of the situation, the Northern Senators called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, to take immediate steps. They listed four priority actions to contain the outbreak before the rainy season worsens contamination risks.
The lawmakers urged authorities to deploy emergency medical support by dispatching NCDC rapid response teams, clinicians, and adequate supplies of IV fluids, oral rehydration salts, and antibiotics to overwhelmed treatment centers. They also called for fast-tracking oral cholera vaccination in MMC, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, prioritizing IDP camps and flood-prone communities.
The Forum further demanded stronger WASH interventions, including emergency potable water, water treatment tablets, and sanitation facilities. They stressed the need for an aggressive campaign against open defecation and poor waste disposal. They also asked for scaled public awareness to intensify community sensitization on hand hygiene, safe food preparation, and early reporting of symptoms to health facilities.
The Northern Senators commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and partners including WHO, UNICEF, and MSF for their ongoing response efforts. They urged the Federal Government to provide all necessary resources to support the response and contain the outbreak.
“The health and safety of our people must remain our collective priority,” the Forum stated. The statement was issued from the Office of the Chairman, Northern Senators Forum, New Wing, Senate Building, National Assembly.
Authority

We didn’t arrest, detain Okey Ndibe -DSS

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted news stories that its operatives arrested and detained Prof Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters of the Service, the DSS said the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Service’s watchlist.

Below is the full statement:

RE: ARREST OF PROFESSOR OKEY NDIBE- SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby clarifies that, it did not arrest or detain Prof Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026 or any other place on that date for that matter.

The current DG of the Service, upon assumption of duty, directed a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the Military Era. This is to ensure that citizens are not unduly embarrassed due to pre-existing WLAs.

In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit, are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices. It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, that activities, travel histories as well as current activities of these individuals are not in furtherance of and do not still conform with the reasons for the initial WLA.

Suffice to point out that since the inception of the current Management , many Nigerians, including journalists have benefited from this process. This is despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other Agencies. A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist.

In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. Thus, the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action. As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted. Note that, even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new Leadership.

The Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law.

The DSS therefore urges citizens affected by the Service WLA, who wish, to formally report same to the National Headquarters to facilitate ongoing process. However, regardless of any formal request, the attempt at hygiene regarding the WLA, will be sustained.

Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services
June 2, 2026

CAN proclaims June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, demands state of emergency over insecurity

 

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday designated Sunday, June 14, 2026 as “Black Sunday” in all its member-churches in honour of victims of terrorist attacks and other forms of violence across the country.

CAN also announced a three-day national prayer programme from June 12 to June 14, 2026 for Nigeria.

 

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who spoke during the presentation of a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, however admitted that prayers alone would not resolve Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, insisting that urgent and practical measures are needed to address the crisis and restore safety across the nation.

 

Archbishop Okoh therefore called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, describing the situation as critical and requiring immediate intervention.

 

The summit themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward” brought together top Church leaders, block leaders, and delegates to prayerfully review the country’s challenges.

 

​Okoh clarified that the call was not a threat to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration but a necessary reminder for the government to rise to its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and promoting the welfare of its people.

 

​”We are talking to a government that still has a level of responsibility, and so they will listen. We hope that when they listen, they will do the needful. It has come to that point where the government will have to declare a state of emergency on security,” Okoh said.

 

​Responding to questions from newsmen on whether Nigerians should resort to self-defence, the CAN President noted that while self-preservation is a natural human instinct, any action taken must remain within the boundaries of the law.

 

​”It is a natural human instinct for one to defend himself. But, what we are saying in CAN is that people and Churches should be able to defend themselves, their properties, and their homes within reasonable legal limits,” he stressed.

 

​The Cleric said the association would continue to deploy both media engagements and diplomatic back-channels to hold the current administration accountable.

 

​According to him, the summit was just the initial step in a series of strategic engagements aimed at ensuring a safer nation for all citizens.

 

The Cleric acknowledged that the security challenges, which initially worsened in the far North and North-Central, are increasingly spreading southward.

 

​He expressed support for international collaborations to end  insecurity, especially the tactical cooperation between the Federal Government and the United States.

 

​”If you are overwhelmed and people are coming to help you, you will not say no. You will welcome them, provided they follow the proper lines of engagement.

 

​”Our government is cooperating with the government of the United States of America and security forces to help dislodge these miscreants and terrorists.

 

“The position of CAN has not changed. If it takes other countries coming to help us out of this situation, so be it,” Okoh stressed.

 

He also advocated the speedy establishment of State Police and the decentralisation of the country’s security architecture to enable faster and more effective responses to threats.

 

The CAN President further demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims and urged authorities to ensure justice for those affected by insecurity. Globalupfront.

Six TCN towers vandalized along Apir–Lafia 330KV transmission lines 

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that its 6 towers were vandalized along Apir–Lafia 330KV transmission lines.

This was contained in a statement by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of the Company on Tuesday.

Giving details, Mbah said: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, wishes to inform the public that six transmission towers, from T125 to T130, on Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II have been vandalized.

“The collapse occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on 30th May 2026, during a heavy downpour. Trial reclosure of these line II was made at 2:08 am following the initial tripping and failed.

“The tripping of lines prompted a physical line trace to determine the fault which revealed damage to critical components of towers T125 to T130, confirming acts of vandalism on the affected sections of the transmission corridor.

 

“As a result, both Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II remain out of service pending reconstruction of the affected towers,” the statement said.

She said that the Company has already begun efforts to restored services.

“TCN engineers have been mobilized to site to assess the extent of damage and ascertain materials required to commence to restore normal transmission along the corridor.

 

“Meanwhile, the Lafia 330kV Transmission Station is being supplied through the Lafia–Jos transmission line as a temporary measure to minimise the impact of the outage on affected electricity customers within the franchise areas of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC).

Mbah decried the nefarious activities of vandals and called on host communities and the public help protect the Company’s installations.

“TCN strongly condemns the continued vandalism of power transmission infrastructure as it undermines years of investment in the sector.

“We appeal to host communities and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

“Collective action,” She insisted, “is essential to protect national grid assets and ensure reliable power supply.”

CBN faces N10.90 trillion liquidity surge in June on N7.77 trillion OMO maturities

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to confront renewed liquidity management pressures in June 2026 as Nigeria’s financial system is projected to receive N10.90 trillion in inflows, largely driven by maturing Open Market Operations (OMO) bills.

 

This is according to the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) Monthly Market Report published on June 1, which showed that June’s projected inflows represent a 3.51% increase from the N10.53 trillion recorded in May.

 

The development comes despite the apex bank’s aggressive liquidity tightening efforts in May, during which it withdrew an estimated N12.06 trillion from the financial system.

However, average system liquidity still expanded by 7.76% to N5.22 trillion, highlighting the challenge of containing excess liquidity amid large recurring inflows.

 

What the data is saying:

The FMDA report indicates that OMO maturities will remain the dominant source of liquidity inflows into the financial system during June. The N7.77 trillion expected from maturing OMO bills accounts for approximately 71% of total projected inflows for the month.

 

Total projected inflows for June 2026 stand at N10.90 trillion, up 3.51% from N10.53 trillion recorded in May.

OMO maturities are projected at N7.77 trillion, rising from N7.17 trillion in May and accounting for the largest share of liquidity inflows.

FAAC disbursements are expected at N1.80 trillion, while Treasury Bills maturities are projected at N995.81 billion.

FGN bond coupons, corporate bond maturities, and commercial paper maturities are estimated at N278.99 billion, N49.04 billion, and N10.46 billion respectively.

The data underscores the cyclical nature of liquidity management in Nigeria, where OMO instruments used to absorb liquidity eventually mature and return substantial cash to the banking system, necessitating fresh sterilisation measures by the CBN.

The May liquidity data provides important context for understanding the scale of the challenge facing monetary authorities in June.

 

Despite withdrawing an estimated N12.06 trillion through liquidity management operations in May, average system liquidity increased by 7.76% to N5.22 trillion.

The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) closed May at N5.89 trillion on May 29, reflecting continued excess reserves within the banking system.

Banks continued to deposit significant surplus funds with the CBN overnight, indicating that liquidity levels remained elevated despite aggressive tightening measures.

The projected N7.77 trillion OMO maturities in June suggest the CBN may need to match or exceed May’s liquidity mop-up operations to maintain current market conditions.

In addition, the projected N1.80 trillion FAAC disbursement will provide another significant source of liquidity injection into the economy, further complicating efforts to manage excess system funds. Nairametrics.

CDS, Service Chiefs should end terrorism in 90 days or be sacked -Adeboye tells Tinubu

 

 

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call on the nation’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service and security chiefs to eliminate terrorists and banditry within 90 days or resign.

Adeboye in a recent video posted on the church’s X handle on Tuesday was reacting to the public’s appeal for his attention to the national crisis.

He urged the federal government to act swiftly in addressing the country’s security challenges.

 

“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign,” Adeboye said.

 

Religious leaders, he said can only offer advice to political authorities, and that the final responsibility rests with the Commander-in-Chief.

 

He also said he advised late President Muhammadu Buhari who gave security chiefs a similar deadline to tackle Boko Haram, but that the directive was not fully achieved within the timeframe as he didn’t follow through.

 

He said the former President acted on the advice by issuing the directive to security chiefs, but failed to enforce it after the deadline elapsed.

 

“He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through. Because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.The three months went, and the work was not done,” he said.

“When giving orders to the Service Chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” Adeboye added.

Nigerian Navy drone surveillance leads to arrest of suspected terrorist collaborator in Lake Chad

 

 

The Nigerian Navy said it has recorded another operational success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North East following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC).

A statement released on Tuesday and signed by Navy Captain A. A. Folorunsho, Director Naval Information said the arrest was made on 1 June 2026 during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted by NBLC personnel using a tactical drone within the Lake Chad area of operations.

“During the surveillance mission, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted.

“Further monitoring revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area.

“Consequently, the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was subsequently apprehended,” the statement added.

 

The Service also disclosed that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the area. Initial findings further suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.

 

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.

 

 

 

 

 

“Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with established procedures.”

 

The operation, the statement further said, underscores the growing role of intelligence, surveillance, and technology-driven operations in enhancing situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.

 

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and will continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action while contributing to the restoration of peace and security in the North East,” the Service further assured.