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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially ended the sale and collection of expression of interest and nomination forms for the presidency.

The party, however, granted a one-week extension to aspirants contesting other key elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was made known through a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu where the NDC announced that the deadline, earlier fixed for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, has now been shifted to 12:00 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

According to the statement, the extension affects aspirants seeking tickets for the State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship positions.

The party maintained that no further extension would be granted, urging aspirants to adhere strictly to the revised timeline.

According to the NDC timetable, screening of aspirants who have obtained and completed their forms will run from May 19 to May 26, while the collection and submission of nomination forms for those cleared will take place between May 20 and May 26.

“All aspirants are expected to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues across the country with relevant documents,” they said.

According to the Enekweizu, the party has directed that all documents submitted to the Screening Committee must be in six copies each, stressing that the screening exercise would be guided by factors including the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, capacity and competence, as well as the character of aspirants.

“All aspirants are expected to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues across the country, as earlier advertised, with the following documents: Educational certificates; birth certificate or declaration of age; Four (4) recent passport photographs; Copy of voter’s identification card; NDC membership card; Copy of his/her CV (Curriculum Vitae)

“All documents submitted to the Screening Committee must be in six (6) copies each.

“Screening shall be based, among other criteria, on the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, capacity and competence of aspirants and character.” the statement read.

It added that the screening committee is directed to take into consideration the party’s affirmative action policy for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.

It further encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus-building, stressing that only aspirants cleared through the screening process would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.

NDC Ends Presidential Forms Sale, Extends Deadline For Others is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has credited Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago with preventing major internal crises ahead of the party’s primaries through aggressive reconciliation and consensus-building efforts across the state.

APC Publicity Secretary, Musa Sarkinkaji, in an interview with journalists in Minna, said the governor and party leadership spent several nights meeting aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to avoid divisions that could have destabilised the ruling party.

“Governor Bago and the party leadership spent sleepless nights reconciling aspirants to ensure peaceful and credible primaries across Niger State. Their intervention helped prevent crises and produced consensus in key districts,” Sarkinkaji said.

According to him, the interventions successfully resolved tensions in key senatorial districts and produced consensus arrangements that eliminated the need for bitter contests in some areas.

Sarkinkaji disclosed that in Niger North Senatorial District, aspirants agreed to step down and support Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, allowing the district to adopt affirmation instead of a competitive primary.

“In Niger North, aspirants agreed to step aside for Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, while reconciliation efforts in Zone B also allowed Senator Sani Musa to continue through affirmation,” he added.

The APC spokesman explained that both Niger East and Niger North senatorial districts would now conduct affirmation exercises following the successful reconciliation moves by the governor.

He noted that the APC had over 100 aspirants seeking House of Assembly tickets across the state, a situation he said could have triggered serious internal disputes without timely intervention by party leaders.

Sarkinkaji stated that the only major contest left unresolved was the Niger South Senatorial District where multiple aspirants reportedly refused to step down despite repeated meetings and negotiations.

He said Governor Bago eventually directed that the district proceed to open primaries, insisting that delegates must be allowed to freely decide the party’s candidate through voting.

“Although consensus could not be reached in Niger South because of the large number of aspirants, the governor directed that delegates should freely decide the candidate through transparent voting. The APC remains committed to free, fair and peaceful primaries,” Sarkinkaji stated.

The APC spokesman assured party members that strict measures had been put in place to guarantee free, fair and transparent primaries in the affected areas.

He added that officials conducting the elections were selected from within the districts to strengthen trust and credibility in the process.

Sarkinkaji also warned against the spread of rumours capable of causing confusion or tension during the primaries, especially regarding the House of Representatives elections.

He maintained that the APC leadership in Niger State remains focused on unity, stability and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 political season.

APC primaries: Niger APC credits Gov Bago for preventing internal crisis through reconciliation

Nigerian singer Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, popularly known simply as Chike, has broken his silence with a cryptic social media post over speculation about an alleged romantic relationship involving him and Sandra Edoho, the estranged wife of media personality Frank Edoho. Nigerian singer Chike has also been linked to growing online speculation about an alleged relationship […]

The post ‘Pity my soul:’ Chike speaks amid rumours of affair with Frank Edoho’s ex-wife appeared first on Tribune Online.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has warned corps members serving in Osun State against involvement in partisan politics or any activity capable of compromising their safety and the integrity of the electoral process.

The NYSC also charged NYSC members to remain neutral, professional, and law-abiding at all times as they play their role as ad-hoc electoral personnel during the August 15 governor election in the state.

The Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha handed down this warning during the officially closing ceremony for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course on Monday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.

Issuing the warning, Kubiangha said, “Be mindful of your expected role as ad-hoc electoral personnel. I charge you to remain neutral, professional, and law-abiding at all times.

“Also, steer away from partisan politics or any activity capable of compromising your safety and the integrity of the electoral process.”

The Osun NYSC boss also cautioned the corps members on the responsible use of social media and warned against the spread of fake news, inflammatory content, and unguarded posts capable of bringing the NYSC scheme into disrepute.

He advised them to “remain security conscious, avoid unauthorised journeys, respect the customs and traditions of their host communities, and maintain proper communication with NYSC officials in their places of deployment”.

Kubiangha also congratulated them on the successful completion of the three-week orientation exercise and commended their discipline, resilience, cooperation, and active participation throughout the duration of the programme.

He urged the corps members to settle quickly into their various Places of Primary Assignment, PPA, and discharge their responsibilities diligently, responsibly, and professionally.

He emphasised the importance of punctuality, dedication to duty, respect for constituted authority, and commitment to excellence, noting that the conduct of corps members contributes significantly to the public image and integrity of the NYSC scheme.

Don’t involve in partisan politics — NYSC warns corps members

Former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship Nigeria, PFN, Ayo Oritsejafor, has observed that Nigeria exists in two distinct realities – one for politicians and another for ordinary citizens.

The clergyman asserts that the average Nigerian, confronted with hunger and starvation, inhabits a world that is entirely different from that of the politician.

Speaking on Arise News, the pastor said, “It often feels like politicians and ordinary Nigerians are living in completely different worlds.

“The lifestyle, spending habits, and behavior of many politicians appear to be vastly disconnected from the everyday realities of average citizens.

“Most Nigerians are not even concentrating on the upcoming elections; their primary focus is on survival, the daily hardships they endure, the escalating challenges, and the increasing burden of debt as the nation continues to accrue more loans.”

DAILY POST reports that numerous Nigerians resonate with Oritsejafor’s apprehensions regarding the soaring cost of living and the severe hardships faced in the country, as well as the manner in which politicians have responded to these issues.

Nigerians not concentrating on elections, they just want to survive – Pastor Oritsejafor

 

COAS FIRST BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026: ARMY EXPANDS FORMATIONS NATIONWIDE, HONOURS FALLEN HEROES, WOUNDED TROOPS

In a solemn and deeply symbolic moment that underscored the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to its personnel, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has presented the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Cheques to some families of fallen heroes and troops wounded in action at the opening ceremony of the  COAS First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.

The gesture, rich in emotion and meaning, reflected the Army’s unwavering commitment to honour sacrifice, support those left behind and stand firmly by its wounded heroes whose courage continues to inspire the nation.

Declaring the conference open at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites Abuja, the COAS reaffirmed that the trust, confidence and continued support of Nigerians remain critical to achieving lasting security and operational success across the country.

He described the conference as a strategic platform to review ongoing operations, assess gains recorded in the first half of the year, and develop decisive strategies for the remainder of 2026. According to him, deliberations will focus on operational readiness, emerging threats and measures to enhance effectiveness across all theatres.

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended officers and soldiers for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism in confronting complex security challenges. He paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, noting that their legacy remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s unity and peace.

Reinforcing his “Soldier First Concept,” the Army Chief emphasised that prioritising troop welfare, morale, training and empowerment is central to sustaining combat effectiveness. He urged commanders at all levels to maintain close engagement with personnel to preserve high morale and operational readiness.

Highlighting ongoing transformation efforts, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army is expanding its operational footprint through the establishment of new formations nationwide, alongside increased recruitment, improved infrastructure, enhanced welfare packages and upgraded healthcare services. He added that prompt medical evacuation arrangements, both within and outside the country, remain a key component of troop support.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening civil-military relations, noting that public support remains a vital force multiplier in ongoing operations. The Army, he said, will continue to pursue people-oriented initiatives alongside kinetic operations to foster trust and stability in host communities.

The COAS expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,  Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained support, which has enabled the acquisition of modern equipment, refurbishment of existing platforms and improved operational capability.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, in his welcome address noted the conference would consolidate the operational gains and set a clear direction for the rest of the year. He commended the leadership of the COAS and the dedication of troops in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide, urging participants to contribute meaningfully to deliberations.

The conference continues with high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively address evolving security challenges while remaining firmly committed to the welfare and honour of its personnel.

APPOLONIA ANELE 

Colonel 

Acting Director Army Public Relations 

18 May 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million over allegations relating to a breach of national security. Delivering ruling on the bail application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved bail but attached strict and detailed conditions for his release from custody. The […]

The post Court grants El-Rufai N100m bail appeared first on Tribune Online.

Ahead of Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, a civic organization, De Ambassadors Global Network, DAGN, has launched an initiative tagged ‘Operation PVC’, aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to participate in the democratic process.

The initiative is part of engagements designed to mark Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, which comes up on October 1, 2026.

Voter apathy has been a major challenge in elections since Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999. The initiative involves a three-week nationwide media and civic engagement during Nigerians would be encouraged to get their PVCs and participate actively in elections.

In a statement released on Sunday, DAGN described the nationwide media and civic engagement as a transformative mission with the objective of ensuring that Nigerians tell Nigeria’s story in their own voice.

In collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology and others, the three-week nationwide media and civic engagement “is designed to inspire reflection, recognition, participation and national pride”, the statement explained.

According to DAGN, the initiative represents a movement aimed at reshaping the narrative of Nigeria through the experiences, achievements and aspirations of its people.

“For decades, Nigeria’s story has often been defined by fragmented headlines, political discourse, economic statistics, and external perceptions. Yet beyond those narratives exists another Nigeria — driven by resilience, innovation, creativity, enterprise, leadership, and hope”, the organisation said.

A major highlight of the initiative is the Nigeria National Digital Youth Talent Challenge, a nationwide platform designed to discover, elevate and reward young Nigerian talent across creative, digital sporting and innovation sectors.

Categories include music, football, basketball, shirt film, skits and comedy, art, fashion, as well as technology and innovation.

To demonstrate the importance of PVCs and voting, in a democratic engagement model, Nigerians across the country and the diaspora will participate directly in selecting winners in the various categories, according to the statement.

“Nigerians will decide through their votes,” DAGN said, noting that voting will determine finalists and category of winners. It explained that the approach will ensure transparency, inclusion, and nationwide ownership of the process.

Winners of the Nigeria National Digital Youth Talent Challenge will receive cash prizes and startup/creative funding support, professional contracts with industry partners and collaborators, as well as national and international exposure opportunities.

“For the first time at this scale, Nigerians will actively participate in selecting and recognising individuals, organisations and stories that represent the spirit of modern Nigeria,” the statement added.

Nigeria @66: DAGN launches Operation PVC to boost participation in democratic process

An embattled former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday in solidarity with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who was granted N100 million bail. Drama unfolded shortly after the court ruling as Sowore engaged operatives of the Department of State Services in a heated exchange […]

The post VIDEO: Moment Sowore confronts DSS officials during El-Rufai’s trial appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday warned transporters against carrying containers that are not properly secured, saying the practice poses serious danger to road users.
The warning comes as the FRSC Kano Sector Command intensifies enforcement through its ongoing special patrol, “Operation Guduma,” aimed at reducing traffic violations across the state.

According to the Corps, vehicles conveying unlatched containers can easily cause accidents or block major highways if the containers fall off while in motion.

“The operation targets offences including the use of fake diplomatic number plates, overloading violations, mix-loading of goods and passengers, as well as vehicles conveying unlatched containers capable of causing road crashes and obstruction on highways,” the command said.

Officials explained that poorly secured containers not only endanger the lives of drivers and passengers but also other road users, especially on busy routes.

During a monitoring exercise along the Kano–Zaria Road, the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Federal Operations, Y.A. Haruna, urged officers to strictly enforce traffic laws while maintaining professionalism.

He also called on drivers and transport companies to take responsibility by ensuring that all loads are properly secured before moving on the road.

The FRSC advised motorists to comply with safety regulations, warning that anyone found violating the rules would face sanctions.

FRSC warns against unlatched containers on highways