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The Senate Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele, has cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State against disloyalty, saying alliances with opposition parties are akin to giving them ammunition to exploit them for recruitment.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with critical stakeholders of the party in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele said opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is a relatively new political party actively seeking to expand its membership base nationwide.

The representative of the District explained that internal dissatisfaction among members can create opportunities for opposition parties to make inroads, warning that opposition groups are keenly observing for any signs of division that could be exploited for recruitment.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and committed, emphasizing the need for effective internal management to prevent any form of implosion within the APC.

Addressing the upcoming party primaries, Bamidele explained that all aspirants would participate in the process, regardless of whether they emerge through consensus or direct primaries.

The Senate Leader noted that Nigeria’s electoral framework provides for two modes of candidate selection, consensus and direct primaries and clarified that even candidates who secure consensus endorsements like himself must undergo a formal affirmation process.

He further advised aspirants, especially for House of Reps in the Senatorial District who may not emerge victorious to remain committed to the party, urging them not to interpret electoral setbacks as personal failures.

His words, “It’s nothing unusual that ADC is a new party that is looking for membership. It’s also a fact that, you know, in every situation, every institution, there are people that could be disgruntled, you know.

“And ADC has been making overtures to people. It’s not peculiar to Ekiti, it’s across Nigeria. What’s important to us and what we’re happy about is that ADC is not making any progress in their overtures.

“But it’s important that we continue to emphasize to our people the need to continue to be straightforward on the need to continue to be steadfast and to manage the affairs of APC in a way that there is no implosion.

“Because that is exactly what ADC and some other opposition parties are waiting for, so that they could have the benefit or the opportunity of membership recruitment from aggrieved members of APC.

“The electoral law has prescribed two modes of primaries. Everybody will face primaries, everybody, including myself.

“The only thing is that there are two modes of primaries. One is through consensus, the other one is through direct primaries.

“Even those of us that would emerge through consensus, we still have to go through the primaries, because I would still need people in all the 57 wards of Ekiti Central Central District to vote for me by affirmation.

“You still have to go there, be ready to conduct elections, until it’s obvious that there is no other person who is contesting. And then you still have to pull the question, to be sure that there is no one who is opposed to that consensus. If you have one person, just one person, being opposed to it, you still have to go through it. You still have to go through direct primaries.

“So, everyone will participate, but the point is, those who don’t have a consensus endorsement will have to participate in the direct primaries only. And for those who, for whatever reason, may not appear victorious at the end of the primary election, my advice always is that they would not see themselves as failures.

“Because if you have a position and you have more than one person who is aspiring to occupy that position, then definitely only one person will get in there. So the other people should just not see themselves as having failed.

“It could be that it’s not their timing yet. It could also be that certain circumstances or geopolitical considerations, might not favour them at the particular time. But what’s important is to remain consistent, to remain relevant within the party, knowing that by God’s grace, their own time will also come”.

On his part, Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Eleshin commended party members for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, describing Ekiti Central as a model of political stability.

Eleshin expressed confidence that the opposition would struggle to make inroads in the district, attributing this to the performance of the party’s representatives at the national level.

Addressing those vying for House of Representatives seats within the District, the chairman assured that while consensus arrangements may be explored, the party would provide a fair and level playing field where necessary.

“We are here to remind ourselves why our party in the Central must cooperate. We are the ones holding the Senate Leader title; that is very important to us, and we are very proud of it.

“We do not want anything to disrupt the peace we have been building in the district. For those contesting, there will be a level playing ground where consensus is not possible.

“Let us go to our units. We are targeting nothing less than 500,000 votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. For those opposing us, let us engage them and encourage them to join the moving train,” he stated.

The Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro emphasised unity among party faithful, insisting that there was no division within the district.

“We in the district are one, and we should see ourselves as one. There is no division and we are going to tell the whole world that we are brothers and sisters. We will go wherever our leaders ask us to go,” she said.

2027 poll: Senate Leader warns APC members against alliance with opposition

Adesua Etomi-Wellington, wife of Nigerian singer, politician and clergyman, Banky W, has reflected on her marriage, revealing that their love is still waxing stronger nearly a decade into their union.

Speaking in a recent interview hosted by Teju Babyface along with her husband, Mrs Wellington explained that initially Banky W wasn’t her ideal man due to his career paths but she settled for him because of divine instruction.

“Before I met my husband, I told God I didn’t want to marry a musician, a pastor or a politician, but God gave me all three,” she said.

On his part, Banky W revealed that Adesua confirmed he was her husband after several rejections.

He explained that he had known that she was his wife for a year and half but was waiting for her to be on the same page.

He said, “Adesua called me on the phone one day and said, ‘Banky, you know you’re my husband right?”

The singer said Adesua’s confirmation further strengthened his own conviction and they got married.

The couple wedded in 2017. Their marriage has produced two children.

‘I didn’t want to marry artiste, pastor, politician’ – Banky W’s wife, Adesua

Popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Lateef Adedimeji, and his wife, Adebimpe Adedimeji, have announced the birth of their triplets.

Abdulateef shared the news on May 1, 2026, through a video posted on his official Instagram page, confirming the arrival of the babies.

In the post, Lateef spoke about his recent silence and the journey leading to the birth of their children.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for, a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own @etawithlove. My world. My responsibility. My legacy. Alhamdulilah!,” he said.

Following the announcement, friends, colleagues and fans flooded the couple’s Instagram page with congratulatory messages and well wishes.

Lateef and Adebimpe, who are both actors and filmmakers, got married on December 18, 2021.

Adebimpe hails from Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State, while Lateef is from Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Actor, Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplets

A building consisting of four classrooms in Ogbomoso Grammar School, Oyo State has collapsed.

DAILY POST reports that the building collapsed on Thursday during a downpour that lasted for about one hour.

The development has compounded the problems being faced by the students and teachers in the school.

Our correspondent learnt that the building had been distressed and abandoned over time.

A teacher in the school, who begged not to be named, noted that no one was affected during the incident.

The teacher said, “The walls caved in leading to the roof crashing down but thank God there is no casualty.

“It started to show signs of distress and so it was not used again.

“Later, iron scrap scavengers (jaribola) started to slice off the iron sheets in bits. For lack of funds, the school couldn’t maintain the building. It has now totally collapsed.”

DAILY POST reports that many schools in Ogbomoso geopolitical zone were affected during a recent rainfall that wrecked havock in some parts of the state.

Our correspondent reports that rehabilitation of the schools has not been carried out as of the time of filing this report on Friday.

 

Oyo: Four-classroom block collapses in Ogbomoso Grammar School

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed a third set of criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and seven others over alleged fraud and money laundering linked to a N10.8 billion CCTV security project.

Court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on April 17 show the ICPC brought 11 counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The commission alleged that El-Rufai approved the award of an N8.68 billion CCTV contract in December 2015 to a company it claims lacked the required competence, and that several large sums were received and transferred between 2017 and 2022 by individuals and companies linked to the project, including Singularity Network Security Limited.

Others named in the case include former Kaduna State government official Jimi Lawal, senior executives of IHS Towers, and five companies.

One of El-Rufai’s sons, Bashir El-Rufai, was mentioned in the allegations but is not listed as a defendant.

The development was disclosed by former Kaduna Commissioner of Information and Liberty Television chairman, Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan, in a Facebook post, in which he said the accused persons would face the new charges soon.

This is the third set of charges filed by the ICPC against El-Rufai since March. He is already facing separate corruption-related cases involving a light rail contract and severance payments, all of which he has denied.

The State Security Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are also independently investigating or prosecuting him over separate allegations.

ICPC Files Fresh N10.8bn Charges Against El-Rufai, Seven Others is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, were among hundreds of party stakeholders who contributed N50 million for the purchase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid forms.

The stakeholders of the party in Kano unanimously adopted President Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and pledged a donation of N50 million towards the purchase of his expression of interest and nomination forms.

The decision was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House, where party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the continuity of the President’s leadership.

This was contained in a press release issued by Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor.

A motion for the adoption of President Tinubu was moved by Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and received unanimous support from stakeholders present at the meeting.

Speaking during the session, the Kano State APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, disclosed that the state chapter had initially intended to purchase the nomination forms outright but resolved instead to contribute financially in support of the President’s candidature.

“We have agreed to contribute the sum of N50 million towards the purchase of the expression of interest and nomination forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The stakeholders noted that the endorsement reflects their confidence in the President’s leadership and ongoing reforms, as well as their collective resolve to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting also reaffirmed the endorsement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the APC’s sole governorship candidate in Kano State, as part of efforts to strengthen unity and cohesion within the party.

The Kano State Government commended the stakeholders for their unwavering support and called on all party members to remain united in advancing the collective interest of the party and the development of the state.

Gov. Yusuf, Ganduje, others contribute N50m for purchase of Tinubu’s re-election bid forms

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion in palliative support to vulnerable households across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

The event, held in Kaduna State, was hosted by Governor Uba Sani, who described the initiative as a major step toward supporting citizens amid current economic challenges.

According to the governor, the intervention reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to economic recovery, social inclusion, and national stability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also commended the First Lady for championing humanitarian initiatives that directly impact vulnerable Nigerians, noting that such efforts help restore dignity and hope across communities.

The programme, carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, is aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship while promoting unity and support across the northern region.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that enhance resilience, peace, and sustainable development in Kaduna State.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before Congress this week for the first time since the United States entered the war with Iran, defending the administration’s actions while facing tough questioning from lawmakers over civilian casualties, military strategy, and the rising cost of the conflict.

Testifying during lengthy hearings before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Hegseth received strong backing from Republican lawmakers, many of whom praised his leadership and supported the administration’s handling of the war.

However, some members of his own party raised concerns, including questions surrounding his dismissal of a senior Army general, while others sought assurances that the Pentagon is taking adequate steps to minimise civilian harm.

Democratic lawmakers pressed the Defense Secretary over the humanitarian and financial implications of the war, citing the bombing of a school that reportedly killed children, the depletion of critical U.S. munitions, and the overall sustainability of the military campaign.

“The biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,” Hegseth said, pushing back against critics during the hearings.

The sessions marked the first time a cabinet member under Donald Trump has publicly defended the war on Capitol Hill since the administration launched military operations against Iran without congressional approval two months ago.

Lawmakers also examined the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, which Pentagon officials argued is necessary to strengthen U.S. military capabilities, including investments in drones, missile defence systems, and naval forces.

While Hegseth framed the war as a strategic success and a demonstration of decisive leadership, his remarks suggested the conflict has lasted longer than initially anticipated, contrasting with earlier projections that it would be concluded within weeks.

The hearings highlight deepening political divisions in Washington over the direction of U.S. foreign policy, as the war with Iran continues with no clear resolution and growing concerns about its long-term consequences.

US lawmakers grill Pentagon Chief over school bombing, arms shortage in Iran conflict

Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, attached to the Ogun State Police Command, have arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered three stolen vehicles and a pistol.

In a statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, identified the suspects as Hammed Olarewaju, Adedokun Ayinde, and Adedokun Adewusi.

The operation, according to the statement, followed reports of vehicle theft in the area, prompting a discreet and intelligence-led investigation by detectives of the Unit.

The Police Public Relations Officer said the investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olarewaju, who was found in possession of a suspicious vehicle plate number.

He noted that further inquiry resulted in the arrest of Adedokun Ayinde, identified as the leader of a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating within parts of the State.

“During the operation, a Toyota Sienna previously stolen was recovered, along with a fabricated pistol believed to have been used by the suspects in the commission of the crimes.

“In a related development, a Toyota Corolla earlier stolen at Ilaro was recovered from one Arowolo Taoreed in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“Similarly, operatives arrested Adedokun Adewusi in connection with another armed robbery incident. Further investigation led to the recovery of a stolen 2017 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport vehicle, traced to Abuja. The vehicle is grey in colour. A pistol recovered at Ajah, Lagos State, is also linked to the same criminal network.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network involved in vehicle theft and armed robbery activities across Ogun State and neighbouring states.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen vehicles”, the statement added.

Ogun Police recover three stolen cars, arrest suspect

Nollywood actress, Bimbo Ademoye was recently captured in a tense moment on set after a group of area boys reportedly stormed her outdoor movie location, demanding “settlement.”

In a video shared on X by user, Usmanashafe, on Thursday, the actress is seen standing her ground, confronting the men who insisted she pay them for filming in their neighbourhood.

Visibly upset but composed, Bimbo made it clear she had no issue supporting them financially on her own terms but strongly rejected the way they approached her.

“I am a street girl, let me tell you. Ask around when it comes to matters of the street, I like settling boys. But you don’t come to me and start telling me the amount to give. Yes, you came to beg, and you’re even being proud of it,” she said.

The situation escalated when one of the men threatened to switch off her camera.

In response, the actress fired back, dismissing the threat.

“Camera that nobody in your generation has,” she replied sharply.

Watch full video

I’m a street girl’ – Bimbo Ademoye clashes with area boys [VIDEO]