Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, has purchased the senate nomination form of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) five days after joining the party.
On May 2, Mohammed joined the APM after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the lingering court cases and internal crisis plaguing the party leaving Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the only PDP governor
Joseph Tegbe, minister of power, has dismissed media reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s troubled national power grid within three months.
In a statement on Thursday, Adeola Adelabu, his spokesperson, described the reports as inaccurate and misleading.
Tegbe clarified that no such commitment was made during his senate screening on May 6, 2026.
Adelabu said the minister “clearly” explained that timelines for reforms in the power sector were still being developed and would depend on technical diagnostics and consultations with key stakeholders.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that Tegbe had pledged to completely resolve the country’s persistent grid challenges within three months of assuming office.
According to the statement, Tegbe said while initial efforts to stabilise the national grid would begin within his first 100 days in office, deeper structural reforms in the sector could take significantly longer.
The statement added that reforms around sector credibility, gas supply, metering and operational efficiency could take up to one year to achieve meaningful progress.
“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe was quoted as saying during the screening.
He also pledged to stabilise the national grid, modernise electricity infrastructure, strengthen commercial frameworks in the sector and enforce accountability across the value chain.
On electricity tariff reforms, he reportedly assured lawmakers that vulnerable households would be protected, while government works to balance affordability, sector sustainability, investor confidence and operational efficiency.
The statement stressed that Tegbe remains open to constructive engagement with the media and urged journalists to seek clarification where necessary to avoid misinformation.
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspects during a raid on an illegal security outfit operating as a fake “Civilian Joint Taskforce” in Sakpenwa, Tai LGA.
The suspects include three women and two men: Precious Mene, Blessing Felix, Barine Gaviga, Joy Ndornyie, and Muhammed Ibrahim.
Police recovered three locally fabricated pump-action rifles during the operation.
According to the police, the group was illegally operating under the guise of providing security services, stressing that no “Civilian Joint Taskforce” is officially recognised in Rivers State.
The Command warned that civilians are not allowed to carry firearms without legal approval and said investigations are ongoing to uncover other possible illegal operations.
Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Ogun State, have recounted their experiences after they were rescued from kidnappers.
DAILY POST recalls that a simple trip for food ended in a traumatic abduction of the five students.
They were kidnapped on the Isara-Ode road.
To them, last Tuesday was more than just a day of freedom.
Relieved but visibly shaken, the rescued youths shared their ordeal with DAILY POST, detailing the moments between their abduction in the Remo North local government area of the state and their eventual return to safety.
Driving an ash coloured Toyota car, the students, comprising four men and one lady, were flagged down by torchlight-wielding gunmen stationed on a bridge.
DAILY POST reports that it happened barely 48 hours after the attack on students of the College of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun campus by suspected gunmen.
The gunmen numbering 12, allegedly forced the students’ doors open, stole phones, necklaces, valuables and even beverages, and left them injured.
Giving details of how they were kidnapped, the victims said the kidnappers used the lights to lure them into a stop before seizing control of the vehicle and its occupants.
DAILY POST learnt that the victims were made to trek three hours on a stretch into the thick bush before they were allowed to sit and call their families for ransom.
Taye (not his real name) described the incident as a shock, disclosing that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 20 million naira each.
“We were coming from the restaurant before they stopped and attacked us. They acted like policemen, flashing torchlights for us to stop the car and all I could remember next was a gunshot.
“At some point they threatened to take our lives if we are unable to pay a ransom of N20 million, they even pointed the gun at us and threatened to take our lives,” he stated in a faint voice.
They aren’t strangers, they knew the terrain – Victims
The students alleged that their captors were not strangers to the Remo North vicinity.
One of the victims pointed to the kidnappers’ ethnic identity, describing them as Fulani men who appeared to have deep knowledge of the local community.
Recounting a tense moment in the bush, he disclosed that there was a near-fatal confrontation when they called them “Fulani.
“The kidnappers are Fulani that know the whole community and vicinity.
“One of us even tried to call them Fulani and they became very mad to the extent that they pointed the gun at him, so that’s how we knew they were Fulani,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, another victim told DAILY POST that three of the students were asked to pay a ransom of N20 million, but the driver and owner of the vehicle was shot in the leg and asked to pay a ransom of N40 million.
Recall that the police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that operatives of the command on receiving the information, deployed a patrol team to the scene where their vehicle was found abandoned with visible bullet impacts and bloodstains.
Babaseyi added that officers of Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA were immediately mobilised, leading to the safe rescue of the victims penultimate Tuesday.
Briefing members of the press shortly after handing over the rescued students to the school, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the operatives had engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.
The Commissioner said, “The sustained operational pressure led to the successful rescue of the five (5) victims from the custody of the abductors on 28th April 2026. The victims were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and taken for medical attention due to conditions sustained while in captivity.
“During the rescue operation, the kidnappers engaged operatives in a gun duel but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and tactical response, forcing them to flee with suspected gunshot wounds. No casualty was recorded among security operatives.”
Collaborate with us – Police tells schools
The police boss assured that the command had put all safety measures in place to protect all students and staff in the state.
He, however, called for collaboration between institutions and the command, assuring them of quick response to any emergency or distress call.
“I’m using this opportunity to assure the management of all schools and institutions in Ogun State that the police will put in all we have to secure these schools and the students.
“We are equally encouraging them to constantly get in touch with the local police officers and myself, the Commissioner of Police, or any other senior officer in the command for us to quickly respond to any emergency or distress call that may occur from their end.
“Like the OOU, we discovered that the police station is just too far from the campus and immediately I established a police post there to take care of their immediate security needs.
“We are in touch with all the school managements across the state and we are putting in place extra structures to protect students.
“We appeal to the school authorities and students to cooperate with us and see us as partners in progress and collaborator to ensure that we have secured campuses and secured students,” Ojajuni added.
He warned criminals in the state to change their ways or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
“It is up to them to change their mind and be law abiding or the long arm of the law will catch up with them in a jiffy, not even in the long run,” he warned.
School management, SUG applaud police effort
Speaking on behalf of the governing council of the institution, the Deputy Rector, Mr Taiwo Ogunyinka, presented an appreciation letter to the CP, expressing gratitude for the bravery and timely interventions that led to the rescue of the students.
He assured that the institution will continue to support the command to ensure that students and other management staff will remain safe and protected.
Meanwhile, the SUG president of the institution, Comrade Akinpelu Timothy, thanked the Commissioner of Police for his quick response, adding that it had assured students that their lives were in good hands.
‘They threatened to kill us’ – Five rescued Ogun students recount ordeal with kidnappers
The candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2023 governorship election in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, has announced his defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
Doherty, who had earlier expressed interest in contesting the Lagos governorship election again in 2027, disclosed his decision in a statement issued on Thursday.
He explained that persistent divisions within the leadership of the ADC influenced his decision to leave the party.
According to him, the internal crisis within the party has weakened hopes that the party could serve as a united platform for opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
Doherty stated that members of the party were now left with the option of either remaining in the ADC or pursuing their political ambitions through another platform.
“After due consultation, careful deliberation and prayerful reflection, I have joined the NDC. I am convinced that this is the path that will enable us to deliver the benefits of good governance to those to whom they are due, every citizen, without exception,” he said.
The development marks the second time Doherty has exited the ADC.
Following the 2023 governorship election, he had previously left the party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after his outing in the poll.
He later returned to the ADC after some opposition figures adopted the party as a platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the statement announcing his latest move, Doherty said recent developments within the ADC had resulted in a split among coalition leaders, with some aligning with the NDC while others chose to remain in the ADC.
“Most of us are aware of developments concerning the ADC that have collectively resulted in a division of the coalition with some leaders moving to the NDC and some remaining in the ADC,” he stated.
“We had hoped that ADC would be the vehicle that would unite the opposition. That is now clearly no longer the case.”
He added that after extensive consultations and reflection, he decided the NDC offered a better opportunity to pursue his political objectives and promote what he described as inclusive governance.
“The battle ahead remains formidable, but I invite you to join us on this exciting, though sometimes turbulent, journey to a brighter future that has been long-promised and that has so far proven elusive, but that is, by the Grace of God, now imminent,” he added.
Lagos 2027: Ex-governorship candidate, Funso Doherty dumps ADC
Popular Nigerian singer Burna Boy will join Colombian pop icon Shakira to perform the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup titled “Dai Dai.”
It will be the second consecutive time a Nigerian artiste will feature in a World Cup song.
DAILY POST recalls that Davido featured in the official song of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tagged “Hayya Hayya (Better Together).”
The song will be officially released on Thursday, May 14.
In her post, Shakira wrote: “From Maracanã Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the @FIFAWorldCup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready! ⚽️🐺 @burnaboy.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.
The competition will run from June 11 to July 19.
The campaign council of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of withholding critical documents required for the payment of local government workers’ salaries.
The allegation was made in a statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday by the Co-Chairman (Print), Media Committee of the AMBO Governorship Election Council, Kola Olabisi.
The council, which is backing APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, alleged that the governor’s actions had disrupted the smooth administration of local government affairs across the state.
It accused the governor of “personalising the local government administration,” stating that the situation had caused hardship and confusion among residents, particularly those dependent on local government salaries.
According to the statement, “It is astonishing that a governor could deliberately withdraw all the documents from the local government council areas that could enable the Court of Appeal-reinstated local government council chairmen and councillors to effectively fulfil the payment of salaries and allowances.”
The council added that the development had affected not only council workers but also auxiliary staff whose livelihoods depend on timely salary payments.
“It is worthwhile to pointedly tell Governor Adeleke that he could only run, but it would be pretty impossible for him to perpetually hide under the constitutional provision of the immunity clause,” the statement said.
The APC campaign council also questioned the rationale behind the alleged withholding of documents, describing the action as unacceptable and suggesting it could warrant serious constitutional consequences.
In response, the Osun State chapter of the Accord dismissed the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
The state chairman of the party, Victor Akande, said the claims were “a poorly scripted hogwash aimed at diverting public attention from monumental financial atrocities already perpetrated in the state local government system by APC political actors.”
Akande accused members of the APC of attempting to blackmail the Adeleke administration through what he described as “emotional propaganda and empty noise.”
He maintained that the people of the state deserved transparency, accountability and development, adding that any attempt to derail progress in the state would be firmly resisted.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for continuation of hearing in a suit filed by a passenger, Mr Amechi Michael, against British Airways over alleged missing carry-on luggage.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, the plaintiff, Amechi Michael, was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr John Godwin.
The plaintiff told the court during the cross examination that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer care service.
He said he was subsequently referred to the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) for resolution.
He also told the court that the arbitrator issued an award in his favour in respect of the flight delay but did not address the issue of the missing carry-on luggage.
Amechi said that since he was dissatisfied with the arbitral decision, he rejected the award and approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking redress over the alleged loss of the luggage.
He contended that British Airways owed him a duty of care to return the luggage and alleged that the airline’s staff acted negligently.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Abiola Olaitan subsequently informed the court of her intention to close her client’s case.
The judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu thereafter adjourned the matter to July 2 for defence and continuation of trial.
The plaintiff instituted the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025 against British Airways, seeking recovery of his carry-on luggage allegedly lost during a delayed boarding process.
He said this was after a cabin crew member requested that the luggage be handed over for safekeeping.
Nigerian passenger sues British Airways over alleged missing luggage
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reportedly been removed as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
The development comes just hours after Uzodimma spoke on behalf of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the submission of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Thursday.
Sources disclosed that the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of about 20 APC governors held Thursday night at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Governors from several states, including Ogun, Bayelsa, and Enugu, were reportedly in attendance at the high-level meeting. A new chairman of the forum is expected to be announced shortly.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday night, the Director-general of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Folorunso Aluko, dismissed the report, describing it as false and misleading.
He added that governor Hope UzodiMma remains the chairman of the forum.
“No meeting of the forum was held at which any such decision was taken. The PGF Secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of,any resolution removing Senator Hope Uzodinma.
“The forum remains united, focused, and committed of the party’s faithful and the media are therefore advised to disregard the said report in it’s entirety,” he said.
Governor Uzodimma reportedly removed as Progressive Governors’ Forum chairman
Colombian superstar, Shakira has teased the FIFA World Cup 2026 official theme song, a collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats singer Burna Boy.
Shakira, who has previously collaborated with FIFA for World Cup theme songs over the years, shared a snippet of the 2026 tournament soundtrack via her X handle on Thursday.
According to her post, the song is titled ‘Dai Dai’, and is a collaboration with Afrobeats star, Burna Boy.
It further disclosed that the full song will be released on May 14 ahead of the FIFA tournament, which will kick off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
“From Maracaná Stadium, here is “Dai Dai,” the @FIFAWorldCup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready! ⚽️🐺 @burnaboy,” Shakira wrote.
Burna Boy has now become the second Nigerian artist to appear on a FIFA World Cup official song after Davido, who featured in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup song.
Burna Boy has also previously featured in a UEFA Champions League theme song with Becky G in addition to performing at the 2023 Champions League final in Turkey.
It is unclear whether he will perform at either at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City or the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Shakira announces FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack with Burna Boy