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The lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Engr. Ososa Iyawe, has denied resigning from the All Progressives Congress, APC, attributing the rumour to overzealous individuals within his media circle and some loyalists.

DAILY POST reports that Engr. Iyawe, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023 and defected to the APC on December 5, 2024, had in a letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to Ward 1, Oredo Local Government Area, allegedly announced his resignation from the party over irreconcilable differences between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

In the letter, the federal lawmaker was alleged to have disclosed that he would align himself with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

He was also alleged to have stated that he had withdrawn his expression of interest to contest for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the APC.

Reacting, Engr. Iyawe, in a press statement personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Benin City, denied resigning from the APC as well as withdrawing from the House of Representatives race.

He said the letter did not represent his position and was issued without his authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within his media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of his directives.

According to him, “My attention has been drawn to a purported resignation letter currently circulating on social media and other platforms, alleging my withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my resignation from the party.

“I wish to categorically state that the said letter does not represent my position and was issued without my authorisation by certain overzealous individuals within my media circle and some loyalists acting outside the scope of my directives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and I have not resigned my membership from the party nor withdrawn my political aspirations.

“It is important to emphasise that I am presently engaged in constructive consultations and ongoing engagements with the leadership of our great party in Edo State regarding matters affecting the party and the future of our constituency.

“These discussions are being carried out in the spirit of unity, mutual respect and progressive development.

“I therefore urge party faithful, supporters and the general public to disregard the said letter and any misinformation surrounding it.

“I remain committed to the ideals of the APC and to the continued progress and development of Oredo Federal Constituency and Edo State at large,” he said.

He, however, appreciated the concern, support and solidarity shown by his supporters and well-wishers during the period.

Edo Reps, Esosa Iyawe denies APC resignation, blames overzealous aide for viral letter

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has received Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, in Abuja as both countries deepen bilateral cooperation ahead of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali from May 14 to 15.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the forum, which brings together top business and government leaders from across Africa.

The meeting covered economic cooperation, security and technical partnership, with both sides reviewing a growing list of agreements that have strengthened ties between the two countries in recent years.

Central to the economic relationship is the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed in June 2025, which is designed to eliminate double taxation, create certainty for investors and promote cross-border investment in manufacturing, agriculture, information and communications technology, and real estate.

The two countries also maintain a Bilateral Air Service Agreement under which RwandAir currently operates multiple flights per week to Lagos and Abuja, boosting trade and people-to-people relations.

Nigeria has deployed at least 28 Technical Aid Corps volunteers to Rwanda in various capacities, while Rwandan military and police officers continue to receive training at Nigerian institutions.

Both countries also collaborate through the Rwanda Co-operative Institute, which regularly hosts delegations from Nigerian states.

They further strengthened relations with the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission in September 2021 to provide a structured framework for advancing bilateral cooperation, while continuing to support each other at the African Union and the Commonwealth.

Nigeria, Rwanda Deepen Bilateral Ties Ahead Of Africa CEO Forum is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a decision widely seen as strengthening the prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, ahead of the general election.

The announcement was made on Saturday at the party’s national convention in Abuja, attended by key party stakeholders and political leaders from across the country.

Confirming the development in a post on its official X handle, the party declared: “NDC Presidential ticket is zoned to the South”

Among prominent figures present at the convention were Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to the convention agenda made available to journalists, delegates were expected to deliberate on issues including zoning arrangements, ratification of the amended party constitution and the election of national executives.

The NDC has in recent weeks been receiving a number of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into its fold.

The defectors are mainly members of the National Assembly whose prospects of realising their 2027 re-election through their former parties became dim.

The defection of Obi and Kwankwaso to the ADC has continued to boost the prospects of the newly registered party.

They were formally received into the party by former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson who is the NDC national leader.

Dickson, who represents the Bayelsa West senatorial district in the Senate, has aggressively been marketing the ADC to politicians intending to contest in the 2027 general election.

Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the ADC a few days ago citing the unresolved legal issues the party is currently entangled in.

It’s apparent the duo intends to run on a joint presidential ticket on the platform of the NDC.

Obi Aspiration Receives Boost As NDC Zones Presidential Ticket To South is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Prince Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emerged through a unanimous decision by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium, Bauchi.

The delegates adopted a voice vote conducted by state chairmen, in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Adebayo was the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket and was returned unopposed.

DAILY POST reports that the convention also produced new national officers of the party in line with its constitution.

Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Ugochukwu Uba was elected Deputy National Chairman (South), and Dr Olu Agunloye became National Secretary.

Other elected officials include Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as Treasurer, Barr. Joseph Achile Abu as National Organising Secretary, Anaba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as Legal Adviser, and Mallam Bello Ado Hussaini as Financial Secretary.

Others are Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as Women Leader, Hon. Daniel Ibe as Youth Leader, Rosemary Effiong as Welfare Secretary, and Chief Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons with Disabilities.

Adewole Adebayo emerges SDP 2027 presidential candidate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid the ₦90 million fee for the presidential nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party made the disclosure on Saturday in a statement posted on its official X account, accompanied by a copy of the payment receipt issued to the former vice president.

Confirming the development, the party stated: “A new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey. H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.”

But Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the David Mark-led ADC leadership, has called for the immediate suspension of the sale of nomination forms, pending the determination of a suit he filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Gombe, speaking through the Secretary of his faction’s Board of Trustees, Rufus Akanni,
warned that anyone purchasing nomination forms of the ADC risked losing their money.

“All parties concerned are directed to immediately suspend the sale/purchase of such forms pending the final determination of the matter presently before the Federal High Court,” Akanni said.

“It is expressly stated that any person who proceeds to purchase the said forms does so at their own risk, and the African Democratic Congress shall not accept any liability or responsibility for consequences arising therefrom.”

The Mark-led leadership however described the purchase of form as a major step in what it termed a growing political movement focused on “national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership.”

“This development marks another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC,” it stated.

The opposition party also reiterated its commitment to providing what it described as a credible alternative platform for Nigerians.

“As Nigerians continue to seek credible alternatives, the ADC remains committed to providing a strong platform built on unity, competence, economic recovery, security, and national progress,” it added.

According to the party, the formal presentation of the nomination forms is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 11 at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja.

“The movement is growing. Hope is rising. Expect more,” the party stated.

THE WHISTLER reported that another ADC presidential aspirant, Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had also purchased his nomination form on Friday.

Atiku Obtains ADC Presidential Nomination Form, Gombe Kicks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has successfully completed the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primary election in Lagos State.

Hamzat, who spoke after the exercise on Saturday, described the screening process as comprehensive, transparent and consistent with the democratic principles of the APC.

According to the deputy governor, the exercise was aimed at verifying the credentials, records and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to contest on the party’s platform.

“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag. The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable.

“We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided. It is basically to confirm that what you wrote is truly reflective of your experience and service,” he said.

Hamzat explained that members of the committee thoroughly examined his documents and requested further clarification on aspects of his professional background and years in public service.

He noted that the panel also sought more insight into the various responsibilities he had handled while serving in government.

The deputy governor expressed confidence in the APC primary process and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth, development and prosperity of Lagos State.

“I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process. Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people. Our responsibility is to continue offering our best in service to the state and the country,” Hamzat stated.

He further reiterated his belief in Lagos State’s ability to maintain its position as a leading model of innovation, governance and development in Nigeria, stressing that leadership must remain focused on improving the lives of citizens.

Lagos 2027: Hamzat cleared for APC governorship primary

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed excitement on Saturday as 12 of the girls abducted from their secondary school in Chibok in 2014, but who eventually regained freedom, formally completed their university education at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also celebrated the graduation of the 12 girls, remarking that adversity is not the end of life when the right corrective steps are taken.

The 12 were among hundreds abducted from Chibok 12 years ago, but were later freed and subsequently enrolled at AUN with sponsorship from the Federal Government.

Vice President Shettima, during AUN’s 17th Commencement (Convocation) of the Class of 2026 in Yola, said that although the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remains a wound on the conscience of the nation, some measure of redemption is being achieved as 12 more of the girls complete their university education.

Represented at the occasion by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Shettima commended AUN, a private university owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for holding the girls to the same academic standards as other students.

“To the girls, I assure you that your country has not finished its obligation to you,” Shettima said, while the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development noted that the Federal Government has further plans for the graduates.

The minister, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the government has invested heavily since the recovery of the first set of abducted schoolgirls and would not abandon the fresh graduates.

Although hundreds of students graduated during the convocation on Saturday, attention centred on the 12 Chibok girls, two of whom, in separate interviews, expressed their joy at becoming graduates.

The President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, Professor DeWayne Frazier, said in his commencement address that the 12 Chibok girls would walk across the graduation stage in a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once sought to silence their future.

12 Chibok girls graduate from American University of Nigeria

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured the commitment of the state government to a strategic partnership with Mutual Commitment Company Ltd, China, to establish a three-million-tonnes-per-annum limestone-to-cement industrial complex aimed at the economic transformation of the state.

The governor made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, following a courtesy visit to him by the Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Liu Long, who led a management team to the state.

According to the statement, the partnership marks a major step in the state’s industrialisation agenda for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

“The industrial complex initiative project is to be driven by the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited (YMDCL), to strengthen local value addition, support infrastructure development, attract further investment, and to position the state as an emerging hub for cement production in Nigeria.

“The Group Managing Director of MCC Ltd, Mr Liu Long, commended the proactive political will and governance environment, upon which the company will anchor its operations to partner with Yobe State in achieving the mutually beneficial, sustainable development objective”, the statement noted.

Yobe to partner Chinese firm on three-million-tonne cement complex

Chelsea interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, is expecting two of his players, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, to be back to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.

McFarlane stated this while speaking at his post-match interview after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

Asked about whether Garnacho and Neto will be fit for the FA Cup final, McFarlane said, “Yeah, we are very hopeful. You have to take these things day by day.

“We are hoping that they will be available, but we don’t know at this moment in time.

“They are going to get back into training, see how they feel, see how it looks. So, fingers crossed.”

FA Cup final: McFarlane expecting two Chelsea stars to be back against Manchester City

American rapper and singer Alyssa Michelle Stephens, popularly known as Latto, has announced her retirement from music at just 27.

The Atlanta-born star said her forthcoming album, which is scheduled to arrive May 29, would be her last music project. 

“5/29 My retirement album. Thank you for everything,” she wrote via her X, alarming her fans. 

Latto became a rap sensation after winning the first season of the reality television series The Rap Game in 2016.

She gained prominence with the release of her 2019 single ‘Bitch from da Souf,’ which was certified  double platinum by RIAA and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since then, she has scored multiple platinum and Billboard Hot 100 hits.

She has has won two BET Awards, a MTV Video Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and two Grammy nominations.

Latto is yet to disclose the reason for her abrupt retirement from music despite concerns from fans.

American rapper Latto announces retirement from music at 27