The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress to remain focused on re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stressing that the President needs a second term to complete his economic reforms.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that it would be “tragic” for another administration to halt the fiscal and economic policies currently being implemented by the Tinubu-led government.

“The most profound thing I will say here today is that every single APC member in this country today should be concentrating on the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of whether it affects your personal interest or not,” he said.

“Because he does need a second term to fully finish up all these reforms.”

Keyamo further explained, “It will be tragic for any government to come in 2027 and stop these reforms. This is what has happened in the past where you have all kinds of inchoate policies being implemented. This is a very

Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, says “Kano is critical of any serious political formation because of its consistently high voter turnout”.

The former governor of Kaduna spoke on Monday when he visited Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, in his palace.

El-Rufai, who recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said Nigeria urgently requires a trustworthy political alternative to save the country from its existential crisis.

“Kano is critical to any serious political formation because of its consistently high voter turnout,” he said.

“After joining the SDP, it was important to come and engage with stakeholders here.

“Twelve years ago, we merged three major parties to form the APC and defeated an incumbent president. But now, the goal is different.

“We are bringing together disaffected members across political divides under an existing platform — the SDP — which we believe has the best pedigree and potential.”

The former governor said he joined the SDP to help create a credible political alternative free from godfatherism.

He added that godfatherism and dysfunction had ruined both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We have seen how godfatherism destroyed the PDP and is now wrecking the APC. Nigerians deserve a party built on fairness, internal democracy, and equal opportunity; the SDP can be that alternative,” he said.

He added that, despite previously supporting southern leadership rotation, Nigeria’s pressing issues now necessitate prioritising capability and effective governance over regional origins in choosing leaders.

‘DEFECTIONS TO APC DON’T BOTHER ME’

Reacting to the movement of opposition politicians, including Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, to the APC, El-Rufai said he is not bothered by the wave of defections, adding that the will of the people would prevail.

He noted that the SDP remained focused on grassroots mobilisation rather than courting political bigwigs.

“A governor only has one vote. Elections are won by the people, not by politicians. Our focus is on mobilising ordinary Nigerians, not chasing high-profile defections,” he said.

“You are seeing northern energy because we’re currently in Kano, but I have been engaging leaders across Lagos, Anambra, and the south-south.

“Nation-building is grassroots work, not media shows. You’ll see the results when the time is right.”

El-rufai added that the ongoing coalition talks involving five major political groups aimed at forming a strong opposition movement under the SDP.

“It’s a broader national movement for disillusioned Nigerians. Progress is being made, although I had to move faster in Kaduna because many of my political associates needed an immediate platform,” he said.

The former governor said his political moves have always been guided by loyalty to Nigeria, not to individuals or political parties.

“When things began to go wrong under President Buhari, I wrote to him warning about the dangers – and when the naira redesign policy also hurt Nigerians,” he said.

“I challenged it in court, even though it was an APC-led government. I have never been loyal to individuals over the nation.”

He asked young Nigerians not to give up hope but to join the movement for a better future

Former Spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Kenneth Okonkwo, has distanced himself from rumours of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Okonkwo, in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, said President Bola Tinubu had inflicted hunger, hardship, tears, and blood on Nigerians.

According to the Nollywood actor cum politician, joining APC will drain his life and enthusiam.

Blood Pressure Over 150/90? This Ancient Paste Is Your Answer!
CARDIOTON
Kenneth Okonkwo noted that with the wave of defections to the party, APC will soon implode, warning that those defecting into its ranks will ultimately regret their decision.

He said, “APC is already imploding, and will continue to implode until they are blown to smithereens. And we are talking two years to the election. I’ve made it clear that everybody joining APC now will regret it, because how do you think a nation of 200 million persons will tolerate to continue to be in ad infinitum poverty, ad infinitum hunger and hardship? Power resides with the people. When the people will speak, all these walls will crack.

“Contemplating that me, that entered politics for the welfare of the people, shall join an APC that is insensitive to the people’s welfare, that has punished Nigerians with hunger and hardship – The World Bank report now said that Nigeria will sink further into poverty till 2027. That in Tinubu’s regime, there is no hope for recovery from poverty. And they gave their reasons – Structural economic weaknesses, dependence on oil revenue, national fragility, in other words, national conflicts.

“Look at what’s happening in Plateau State. More than 100 persons have died, massacred by unknown people, and the president was in Paris and could not even cut his travel short to commiserate with people from Plateau State. Look at what’s happening in Rivers State. A president declared martial law and removed constitutionally elected representatives of the people. And look at what’s happening in Benue State. People dying. All the things this president has given Nigeria is tears and blood. And you want to say Kenneth Okonkwo will contemplate going into such an association?

“You want my life and enthusiasm to be drained? No! I reject APC as presently constituted.”

Admits Staff Privacy Breach

A former Quality Assurance Specialist at Access Bank’s contact centre in Oniru, Lagos State, Stephen Ifeanyichukwu Ejezie, has been accused of secretly filming his female colleagues while they used the restrooms.

A report by Foundation For Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported that Ejezie was caught in the female restroom around 1:30am last Wednesday.

Multiple sources noted that staff members at the contact centre, which operates on a shift basis, often sleep, shower, and change at the office.

It was during one of these shifts that Ejezie allegedly sneaked into the women’s restroom, intending to place a hidden recording device.

A female staff member had raised alarm when she allegedly noticed a phone pointed towards her from an adjacent toilet cubicle while she was bathing, leading to Ejieze’s arrest.

Access Bank reportedly ordered Ejieze’s arrest and a subsequent raid on his residence led to the discovery of over 400 of compromising video clips. However, reports indicated that he has since been released.

His release has raised concerns among affected staff members who feared they may not get justice.

Further investigation by FIJ showed that Ejezie had stored numerous videos of male and female colleagues in various states of nakedness.

Sources also alleged that Ejezie had been selling the videos through platforms such as OnlyFans and Telegram, with buyers including foreign nationals.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ejezie’s release and the bank’s subdued response have fueled speculation that the matter might be downplayed to protect the institution’s image.

Workers expressed unrest during a Friday morning meeting convened by the management, they were also nformed that staying overnight at the office was prohibited henceforth.

“We are traumatised, and there is no support being provided. People have the right to know if they were recorded so they are not haunted by this in the future,” a staff member said.

Admits Staff Privacy Breach

Access Bank has confirmed that an incident involving a former Contact Centre Agent, accused of filming colleagues in the bathroom, was under investigation by the appropriate authorities.

In a statement, the bank said it was cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, emphasising its zero-tolerance stance on harassment and violations of privacy.

“Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged offence involving a former Contact Centre Agent. The matter has been handed over to the appropriate authorities, who are conducting an investigation. We are fully cooperating with them in this process.

“At Access Bank, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and any form of privacy violation. We are also actively engaging with the affected employees to provide all necessary support,” the statement read.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of both its employees and customers. It also urged the public and stakeholders to rely solely on information disseminated through its official channels for accurate updates.

Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described his defection alongside his cabinet and other stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “a movement” rather than a mere political shift.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this on Monday while addressing a large crowd at the welcome rally to formally receive him and others to APC.

“What you have seen here today is a movement, not a defection,” he said. “We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr President has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic.”

The governor’s defection to APC marked a major political realignment in Delta State.

Recall that on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the governor and his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, had announced to switch allegiance to the APC.

Also, speaking at the event attended by APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, some governors elected on the platform of the ruling party, Okowa emphasised that the move was made in the interest of the state and its people.

“It is a great day for us in Delta State. When the news broke out on Wednesday, the 23rd of April 2025, that we had decided to change our path, people wondered why,” Okowa said. “But one thing is very important: in the history of a people, there is always a time to change a path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision that we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.”

Okowa, who served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023, explained that the decision was motivated by the need to establish stronger ties with the federal government at the centre.

“As I did tell people that day, it was not about me, it was not about the governor, but the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja, that goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja of which Delta is a large contributor, there is a need to connect to it. I was governor for eight years; I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without tapping into that,” Okowa stated.

“But as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja,” the former governor added.

He further described the move as bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned. “When we sat down after the stakeholders meeting, we thought that it was necessary to make this move. The move is bold, it is patriotic, and it is well-intentioned. It is in the best interest of our state.”

The Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, has handed over the congregation leadership to his daughter and son-in-law.

Naija News reports that Jakes announced the decision on Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, weeks after suffering a massive heart attack while preaching at the church.

The Clergy admitted that getting hospitalised after suffering a massive heart attack on stage contributed to the decision.

T.D. Jakes, who founded The Potter’s House in 1996, confirmed that his daughter and son-in-law, pastors Sarah Jakes Roberts and Toure Roberts, will take over in July.

He said, “You have been faithful to God, and you have been faithful to me. “And I’m so grateful.

“I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd.”

Sarah Jakes Roberts said, “I’m grateful, I’m honored, as your daughter.

“I’m so happy you’re going to get some rest.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with American broadcaster, Craig Melvin on the TODAY show, Jakes recounted the massive heart attack.

Jakes said he did not feel any symptoms of a cardiac arrest, but doctors later told him he was preaching with only half of his heart working.

He said, “I didn’t really realize what was happening to me onstage until I got to the hospital in an ambulance and fussing that it happened onstage, by the way, because I didn’t want it to happen, and the doctor leaned over my ear and said, ‘You had a massive heart attack.’

“The reason I didn’t realize it was because I had none of the symptoms that they say.

“No numbness, no sharp pain, no anything. I just kind of drifted off to sleep. I didn’t know what it was, but I almost died.

“(The doctor) said five minutes later, I’d have been dead on arrival.

“The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood at all.”

The suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udaughan, on Sunday, tendered an unreserved apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the controversial sexual harassment allegation she levelled against him.

However, her perceived apology was veiled in a satirical letter she wrote to the former Akwa Ibom governor, who is currently in Rome for the late Pope Francis’ funeral and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

PUNCH Online reported that Natasha was suspended on March 6 following a heated disagreement with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she alleged was designed to undermine her.

Tensions rose further when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio on national television of punishing her for rejecting his purported sexual advances.

During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

She also criticised the severe measures imposed on her, including the withdrawal of security, salary cuts, and a six-month suspension from the National Assembly.

Following a series of legal fireworks between both parties, the court barred the duo from talking to the press and commenting on the issue until the legal outcome of the case.

However, on Sunday, two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican, the Kogi Central senator wrote a derisive ‘Apology Letter’ directed at the Senate President.

It read, “Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.

“I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognise that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

“How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

“I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections. I remain Yours in eternal resistance, Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken.”

The President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former President of Buhari Youth Organisation, Dr Jibril Mustapha, on Sunday urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Mustapha, who made this call in a statement released on Sunday in Lagos, said Jonathan should heed the calls to run for the office of the president again.

“As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians.

“We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future.

“This appeal comes in light of the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rampant banditry,” Mustapha said.

According to him, there is an urgent need for a leader who embodies integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national unity.

Mustapha added, “Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress. 

“We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background.”

He said that the former Nigerian leader, during his tenure, demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and governance that prioritised the welfare of all citizens.

According to him, the group believes Jonathan has the vision and experience necessary to lead Nigeria.

“His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture.

“Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that BYO is a youth-based supporters group of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jonathan lost his second term ambition to Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.

NAN recalls amidst the debate on whether Jonathan was eligible to run again or not, having taken the oath of office twice as President, the Federal High Court in Bayelsa had in 2022 ruled that Jonathan could still contest the presidential election.

The presiding judge, Justice Dashen, who gave the judgment, held that Jonathan’s right could not be stopped by any retroactive law.

According to him, the 2007 general election produced the late Umaru Yar’Adua as president and not Jonathan, stressing that Section 137 could not have a retroactive effect to stop him from contesting for the presidency.

Dashen ruled that there was no presidential election conducted in the country in 2010 and Jonathan could not be deemed to have been sworn into the office of the president that year.

(NAN)

Five persons have been killed following an explosion that occurred at a facility where illegally refined petroleum products were stored at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State.

 
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday morning, said the incident occured on Saturday morning.

The statement, which was signed by YEAC-Nigeria President, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said the victims were four women and one man, who were burnt beyond recognition.

It read in part: “The inferno is said to have occurred in a house where people purchased and stored illegally refined petroleum products including condensate for resale in the area.

“Members of the Advocacy Centre youth volunteers network under the auspices of the One Million Youth Volunteers Network of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters in the Niger Delta in ONELGA told YEAC-Nigeria that the incident occurred in the late hours of Saturday, April 26 by about 11:00AM, killing five persons, four females and one male burnt beyond recognition.

 
“While calling for investigation into the incident, the Advocacy Centre warns residents and youths against involvement in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and trading in illegally refined petroleum products including home storage to avoid ugly incidents of this nature.

“The group also used the opportunity to renew its call on the federal government to legalise artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta through the establishment of its July 27, 2020 proposed Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI) and/or Modular Refineries for artisanal Refiners in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to mitigate incidents of this nature.”

Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Ayo Olorunfemi, has cautioned Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, to disregard growing calls for him to abandon the LP ahead of the 2027 elections.

Naija News recalls that a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, in the wake of a series of defections in Delta State, had intensified his call for former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, to return to the party.

Sowunmi’s appeal comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he believes Obi’s rejoining the PDP could help the party wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Olorunfemi who also contested the 2024 Ondo governorship election under the LP advised Obi to concentrate on healing and strengthening the party instead of considering defection.

Although he acknowledged that Obi has the constitutional freedom to associate with any political party of his choice, Olorunfemi warned that accepting overtures from other parties could prove detrimental.

He said, “Now that he has contested and he has seen the LP force, if he decides to go to another political party, it will then speak volumes of his intention.”

Continuing, he added, “It will tell whether he truly believed in the ideology of the Labour Party before coming to run, or he just wanted to use the opportunity of the platform.”

According to Olorunfemi, any move by Obi to switch platforms would raise serious questions among Nigerians regarding his political motives.

“So, it will now be left for Nigerians to decide whether Obi, who got millions of votes under the Labour Party, can still be voted for under the PDP or another party,” he stated.

Offering firm advice, Olorunfemi suggested that Obi should take responsibility for rebuilding LP rather than seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

“He (Obi) must use his tongue to count his teeth. If I were he, what I would be doing now is working to restore peace in the Labour Party and rebuild it,” he urged.

The party chieftain stressed the importance of reconciliation efforts within LP: “He should find a way to resolve the issues in the party and remain on the platform. He should remain in the party and restore peace. He should stay and resolve the crises he and others created in LP.”

Olorunfemi also warned that defecting would paint Obi in a negative light, suggesting, “Moving around will portray him as an opportunistic politician, not different from these politicians jumping here and there.”

Reflecting on the sacrifices made by LP members to support Obi’s presidential bid, Olorunfemi reminded him that many aspirants had stepped aside in 2022 to give him a chance. Yet, he made it clear that the party’s survival does not hinge solely on Obi: if he leaves, the LP will continue to thrive as a strong opposition force.

Addressing the leadership crisis within the party, Olorunfemi defended the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), insisting that it had not wronged Obi or his supporters.

He recalled the fierce loyalty shown to Obi during the 2023 elections. “What is the offence of Abure? He stood in the sun, stood in the rain. All of us in the NWC stood by him (Obi). In spite of all the attacks, we stood by him.”

He further recounted personal sacrifices, noting, “My own people, in the course of fighting for him (Obi), called me names for fighting for someone not from my tribe. LP is blind to ethnicity, and I supported him because I believe in politics devoid of ethnic sentiment.”

Olorunfemi admitted that crises were inevitable in politics but stressed that the party’s response has remained lawful and measured. “There is bound to be a crisis. People will come with different things in mind, but we have to moderate everything like we are doing now in LP.”

He underscored the NWC’s commitment to constitutional governance, stating, “Everything we are doing in the Labour Party is in line with our constitution. That is our strength.”

Finally, he challenged critics to present evidence of constitutional violations if they believe the leadership has erred: “Anybody who wants to challenge the authority of the NWC should challenge it to the constitution.

“They should show us the aspect of the constitution that has been violated. If they confront us with the facts, then we will agree with them.”