
AFOLABI
There Are No High Scorers In Cancelled UTME Results Of Six States – JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) clarified that there were no high scorers among the cancelled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results from the five South East states and Lagos State affected by technical issues.
The board explained in a statement on Sunday that “only a handful scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, while 99% scored below 200 marks, indicating that there were no high scorers in the cancelled sessions of the affected six states.”
JAMB said the explanation became necessary following those it referred to as “opportunists”, throwing “misleading questions” at it regarding candidates who allegedly scored highly in the cancelled sessions and might desire to retain their previous results.
Noting that opportunists are on the prowl, the Board in the explanation contained in the statement that announced the release of the rescheduled UTME results, particularly said, “The misleading questions posed by certain individuals regarding candidates who allegedly scored highly in the cancelled sessions who might desire to retain their previous results are totally unfounded as only a handful scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, while 99% scored below 200 marks — indicating that there were no high scorers in the cancelled sessions of the affected six states.”
“It is not unexpected that given our circumstances, some opportunistic and mischievous individuals may attempt to exploit the situation for personal gain, thereby attempting to discredit not only the CBT process but also the Board itself,” it added.
According to JAMB, “A notable example is Mr. Olisa Gabriel Chukwuemeka, a first-year Public Health student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @swagpriest2, falsely claimed to have achieved a score of 326 in the 2025 UTME.
“This claim incited public outrage against the Board and was subsequently disseminated by various online platforms.
Upon investigation, the Board found Mr. Olisa’s assertions to be entirely fabricated as he had doctored his original 2024 UTME score of 203, misrepresenting it as a 2025 UTME result with a score of 326.
“In reality, he sat for the 2025 UTME in Lagos State, where his actual score (prior to withdrawal) was 180. Following the exposure of his deceit, Mr. Olisa deactivated his account on X. There are similar cases of opportunistic attempts,” it explained.
The board disclosed that, “All results are now released except those of candidates who committed examination infractions and those slated for mop-up examinations.”
“While releasing the results, it should be emphasised that recent discoveries particularly by the security agencies have necessitated the withdrawal of some of the results of implicated candidates across the country whose results have been previously released.
“Candidates with earlier released results need not recheck their results as candidates affected by the withdrawal are being notified through text messages on their registered lines, their profiles and emails,” it said.
The board emphasised that the charges for shortcode of 55019/66019 (text messages) does not generate revenue to JAMB as “being ignorantly peddled.”
“The shortcode approach is to protect the critical data of the candidates and to curtail their cybercafé-extortion during their desperate check for results. JAMB has no reason to make money from such a service; rather, it subsidises the shortcode services and text messages to candidates,” it highlighted.
Commenting on the menace of malpractices, JAMB said,” While some Nigerians are busy dissipating energies on conspiracy theories and spread of hatred, our future is being put in jeopardy by advanced levels of digitalised fraud.”
The board’s statement read further: “During the 2025 examinations, further high level malpractices were uncovered, which led to the withdrawal of some results and the arrest of several culprits across the country some of whom we understand have made useful confessions. These unwholesome practices include: Collusion of certain CBT centre/school proprietors (with the connivance of accredited centres) to hack the networks of targeted CBT centres, thereby gaining control of candidates’ computers and remotely submitting their responses to the relevant local server of the centre as recently discovered by the security agencies to whom we are profoundly grateful. It is important to note that each of the 882 centres utilised by the Board operates on a separate local server, and some of which had their local area network and servers compromised. The central server of JAMB remains secure and impervious to such breaches.
“AI-enabled photo blending of candidates with impersonators, many of whom are current undergraduate students; Registration with combined fingers, which involves the combination of fingerprints from multiple persons for a single candidate’s registration; Extension of Local Area Networks (LAN) from centres to remote “strong rooms.”
“Pairing of candidates with professional mercenaries (after willful disruption of sitting arrangements) who had registered for the UTME for the purpose of access to the examination hall. Unfortunately, many undergraduates of tertiary institutions are found to be involved in this nefarious practice.
“Over three thousand candidates nationwide have been identified as either accomplices or beneficiaries of this extraordinary examination fraud. As investigation progresses, all candidates implicated in these unwholesome activities will have their results withdrawn as soon as incontrovertible proofs are established, even if the results have been released.”
The board thanked security agencies for their support and commendable efforts in apprehending culprits involved in the rising menace of examination malpractice.
It also extended appreciation to the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, for its kind provision of a window for the 2025 UTME resit examination; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and National Examinations Council (for BECE) for their support in rescheduling their examinations to accommodate the resit examination.
“We also commend the resilience of the candidates.
While thanking the governments and the good people of Nigeria, JAMB assures the nation of continuous sincere and dedicated service,” the statement added
How Police Inspectors Kidnapped Me, Extorted N151million From My Family Members After Forcibly Taking Me From Lagos To Abuja — Foreign-Based Nigerian
A foreign-based Nigerian man, Mr. Segun Okubajo, has talked about how four police inspectors abducted him from his home in Lagos and extorted a ransom of N151 million from his family, according to SaharaReporters.
Segun detailed his experience in an account made available to SaharaReporters on Saturday.
According to Okubajo’s account, on the evening of October 9, 2024, around 6 to 7pm, four police officers, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Reuben, Malik, and Prince, stormed his residence in Ikota, Lekki.
SaharaReporters had reported that four Inspectors of the Nigerian police were accused of violently abducting and extorting a staggering N151.5million from Segun Okubajo.
This had been revealed in a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dated May 2, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday.
The petition, written by renowned legal practitioner, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, on behalf of the victim’s father, Mr. Okubajo Kehinde, alleged that four police officers, namely AP Mohammed Yusuf (No. 229655), AP Ojochenemi Jubrin (No. 227141), AP Rizama Reuben (No. 318195), and AP Isokpuwu John (No. 318172), kidnapped Mr. Segun Okubajo in Lagos and took him to Abuja.
“They destroyed my home security cameras, took the CCTV hard drive, spoilt the console and openly said they were there to ‘chop from my money,’” he said.
When Okubajo demanded a valid arrest or search warrant, the officers reportedly assaulted him. “They started injuring me, handcuffed me, beat me, then took all my phones, my laptop, my brothers’ phones — everyone’s phone in the house.”
He was then forced into their vehicle along with his brothers and a friend and taken to Ajah police station. “At the station, they told my brothers to back off. They didn’t want them to know where they were taking me because if my dad knew, their plan wouldn’t work. My brothers refused and they threatened to shoot them, so they backed off, leaving them stranded.”
Despite efforts to hide his location, Okubajo managed to send a text message to his family begging for help:
“This is Segun. I’m at Bessam Airport Police Station. Please come immediately. Don’t call this number.”
His father later reported the incident to police headquarters in Lagos, prompting the corrupt officers to transfer Okubajo to Abuja.
Upon arrival in Abuja, Okubajo said he was taken to a small office outside the FCID Garki compound, where he was coerced to hand over passwords to his electronic devices under threat of death.
“They pointed their pistols at me, saying ‘hope you know nobody knows where you are presently. We will just waste your life and nothing will happen,’” he said.
Okubajo said he was forced to comply but was still denied contact with his family despite incessant calls coming to his phone.
The officers allegedly showed him incriminating content on his laptop that was planted, and coerced him to admit to fabricated charges including possession of guns and drugs.
“They brought out their guns and hit me on the head with the back of the gun every time I got angry or refused to cooperate. I had to cooperate because my life was more important.”
The police then recorded a forced video confession and threatened his family with violence.
“They started from demanding N1 billion ransom. I told them to check my accounts and take any money they found, but they found nothing. They then began bargaining with my family and called my friends and relatives.”
Okubajo’s family reportedly raised N151 million through private channels, and the police insisted the ransom be paid in dollars through a bureau de change in Abuja to avoid tracing.
“They told my dad to hide the money in a car tire outside their office, warning that not a single fly should know what happened that day,” Okubajo said.
He was eventually freed the same Saturday after the ransom was paid. The release was accompanied by a fake bail bond showing a N10 million bail fee, which Okubajo said was part of the police’s effort to cover their tracks.
Okubajo’s family later petitioned the Inspector General of Police, leading to investigations that implicated two friends — Luka Shedrach (aka Sheddy Autos) and Oladipo Ibrahim, owner of Eko Imperial Autos — in orchestrating the abduction.
Luka confessed that his friend Oladipo had planned the kidnapping under the pretense of selling a car, forcing Luka to identify Okubajo’s home.
“The most scary thing is that Luka was with my family the entire night they were looking for me but never told them what was going on,” Okubajo said.
Luka also admitted to having committed similar kidnappings in the past, stating: “This isn’t my first time; I kidnapped Oba farms before. This is what I do for a living.”
Despite ongoing investigations, some officers involved remain unaccounted for, and Oladipo Ibrahim has not appeared to reclaim cars seized by the police months ago.
Okubajo said his family has faced intimidation and threats even after his release, forcing him to leave Nigeria.
“Our attempts to see the IG have been blocked. Instead of fighting for justice, some police officials are covering up for the criminals,” he lamented.
He urged media, human rights organizations, and the public to hold the Nigerian Police Force accountable for systemic corruption.
“This is a cry for justice, not only for me but for countless victims silenced by systemic corruption. I am calling on the media, human rights organisations, and
the public to demand accountability and transparency from the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
I Changed Red Carpet Culture In Nigeria – Media Personality, Denrele Edun
Denrele Edun, the famous Nigerian media personality, has stated that his body of work in the entertainment industry is often overlooked and underappreciated.
Known for his bold fashion choices and larger-than-life persona, maintained that his contributions have not received the recognition they truly deserve, despite the significant impact he had made over the years.
He told Sunday Scoop, “I started out in 1994 and I single-handedly revolutionised the red-carpet culture in Nigeria. No one really paid attention to the red carpet until I turned it into an event on its own. These days, people come just for the red carpet and barely care about the main event.
"Back then, when I was still working with a music channel, even government officials and politicians would show up. I had a way of making people feel good about themselves, because I knew how to engage them.
"I am a body language expert, and over the years, I have worked with many brands to transform the red carpet into a unique experience. When you meet me, you don’t just get a conversation; you get an experience.”
Speaking further, he added, “If you say I am a ‘trend setter’, I will take that in good stride. If you say ‘culture shaper’, I will take that as well. My portfolio of work is the most undervalued and underappreciated in the industry.”
Beauty Is Not Enough To Keep A Man – Actress, Adunni Ade Says
Adunni Ade, the popular Nigerian actress and filmmaker has spoken up about her personal journey, emphasizing that physical appearance alone is not sufficient to maintain a relationship or build a lasting partnership.
Speaking from personal experience, she recounted her younger years when she was constantly in the spotlight, admired for her looks and charisma.
“I used to be the centre of attention, the most admired, the most talked about in my youthful days. Beauty opened many doors. I was loved, I was desired,” she said. “But guess what? I’m still not married.”
Adunni was quick to clarify that her single status isn’t due to a lack of worth. Rather, she stressed that being beautiful isn’t enough to keep a man.
“Some came for the face, not the soul. Some wanted the shine, not the substance,” she explained. “I learned the hard way that a woman must be more than just beautiful.”
She advised women to focus on self-development, values, and inner strength.
“Build your mind, know your worth, have values, be whole on your own. Marriage will come when it is right, but don’t think beauty is all you need,” she said.
Her message is clear: while beauty may attract attention, it’s character and personal growth that truly matter in the long run.
“Life demands more than looks. Work on yourself, grow, be the kind of woman that doesn’t just turn heads — because in the end, beauty fades, but character stays.”
SERAP Sues CBN Over Failure To Disclose LG Allocations
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for failing to disclose details of direct payments made to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, including the specific amounts allocated to each.
In a statement released by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare on Sunday and made available to PUNCH Online, SERAP’s suit followed a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court last July, which held that allocations from the Federation Account with the CBN must be paid directly to democratically elected local government councils and that no governor has the power to keep, control or use the money meant for the councils.
In the suit number FHC/L/MSC/521/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria including the amounts sent to each council since the Supreme Court judgment.
The statement also noted that SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the CBN to disclose whether any direct payment has been made from the Federation Account with the CBN to the local government councils in Rivers State and to explain the rationale for any such payment.”
In the suit, SERAP argued that, “The CBN should make it possible for citizens to have access to the details of any direct payments to the 774 local government councils to ensure transparency and accountability, and judge whether the CBN and other agencies are complying with the Supreme Court judgment.”
SERAP also argued that “Granting the reliefs sought would go a long way in promoting the values and principles that underlie the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and are inherent characteristics of an open democratic society.”
According to SERAP, “State governors are starving local governments of funds and putting them in peril, despite the Supreme Court’s binding orders. State governors’ blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s orders undermines the integrity of the court and poses a direct challenge to the rule of law.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The CBN ought to act in the public interest to ensure that the 774 councils in the country directly get their own money from the Federation Account, as ordered by the Supreme Court.”
SERAP added, “The CBN also has the constitutional and statutory duty to ensure that no part of the Federation is governed contrary to the Nigerian Constitution or by anybody that is not constitutionally empowered to do so.
“The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Oluwakemi Oni, read in part: “The CBN should be facilitating compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders. If state governors get away with ignoring the court, it will undermine the ability of the bank to credibly perform its statutory duties.
“States and the FCT have continued to undermine and endanger the existence of local governments and their ability to effectively function as the third tier of government as envisioned under the Nigerian Constitution.
“The CBN has a constitutional and statutory duty to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognized three tiers of government.”
SERAP added that the CBN also has the constitutional and statutory duty to protect any tier of the federal governance structure from going extinct or being destroyed.
“Local government councils are legitimate owners of their allocations from the Federation Account.
“Ensuring that all restrictions against direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 councils will comply with the orders by the Supreme Court and stop states and the Federal Capital Territory from tampering with the allocations ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
“States and the FCT no longer have the right to retain the allocations for local governments in the Federation Account as they have persistently failed to use the allocations for the benefit of the local government councils and Nigerians.
“The disbursement of the allocations meant for the 774 councils to states would be at the expense of poor Nigerians and continue to undermine the rights and well-being of those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country,” SERAP added.
The statement pointed out that CBN could play an important role in revitalising the 774 councils in the country and improving opportunities for Nigerians who reside in those councils. The CBN should not allow states to act in breach of the Supreme Court judgment and do whatever they like with the public funds meant for local government councils.
“The CBN has a responsibility to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.”
“Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account of the amount standing to its credit in the said Federation Account. States should not be collecting, receiving, spending, or tampering with the local government council funds from the Federation Account meant for the benefit of the councils.
“The Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment declared that the Freedom of Information Act ‘is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation’, including those kept by the CBN.
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on the CBN to widely disclose the information sought by SERAP.”
US Shuts Down Embassy In Abuja, Lagos Consulate
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day, a major federal holiday in the U.S.
In a statement released via its official X handle, the US Mission in Nigeria announced the temporary closure, noting that the Memorial Day is dedicated to honouring American military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The holiday is observed annually on the last Monday in May.
Described as a day of reflection and national remembrance, Memorial Day in the US is marked by solemn ceremonies, the display of national flags, and tributes across the country to fallen servicemen and women.
As a result of the holiday, all routine consular operations at both the embassy and consulate will be unavailable for the day. Normal services are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 27.
The US Mission advised individuals requiring urgent consular assistance to visit its official website for emergency contact details.
Electing Pope Isn’t ‘Emilokan’ Affair, Africa Should Win World Cup First – Bishop Kukah
Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has told those advocating for the election of an African pope to first win the World Cup.
According to Kukah, electing a pope is not like that; it’s not an ‘Emilokan’ where people claim it is their turn.
The Catholic bishop made the remarks while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm.
Kukah also spoke about his experience in Rome and the possible impact of the new pope on Africa and the world in general.
On whether it’s palatable to hold on to the argument that there should have been an African pope, Kukah said: “Well, let’s win the World Cup first. I think we still have a long way to go.
"I did write an article in the course of all of this and I remember remarking on something that happened when Pope John Paul II died and speculators thought that Cardinal Arinze came very close.
"But as you know, electing a pope is not like that; it’s not an ‘Emilokan’ scenario in which you say, ‘These people have had their turn, now it’s our turn.’ No, it doesn’t work like that.”
Peter Obi Praises Otti’s Achievements, Says ‘I’m Not Desperate To Be A President’
Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has said he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s President but only desperate to see that Nigeria works.
He said this on Saturday in a special Anniversary Sabbath service held at Seventh Day Adventist Church, Umuahia, to mark two years of the administration of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State.
Obi, who said that it is difficult to rule Nigeria or the States, especially when you want to do the right thing, called on Abia people to pray for Governor Otti and his Commissioners.
He urged the people to extend prayers to all leaders in Nigeria to not squander the country’s money but to properly use it for public good.
“When I say to people I am not desperate to be a President, I am desperate to see Nigeria work.
“We are just trustees, like it is happening in Abia, we want it to happen everywhere in Nigeria”, Obi said.
The former Presidential candidate of LP praised the Abia Governor for his achievements in office in two years, declaring that the Governor has made a difference in governance in Abia.
“We have come to celebrate two years with a difference. People have always said that they need eight years, they need ten years, they need twenty years. But, I have always said that one day can make a difference,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti attributed all the modest achievements recorded by his administration within two years to God who has been inspiring and strengthening him.
While thanking Obi for always identifying with his administration, Otti equally appreciated the legislature, the judiciary and the members of the Church for their sustained prayers for him
Owo On High Alert As Bandits Threaten Fresh Attack On Catholic Church
Three years after the deadly assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, bandits have issued a fresh threat to launch another attack on the church.
The anonymous assailants, in a letter addressed to the church, vowed to carry out a strike “soon”, with no specific timeline stipulated.
With the threat, tension has gripped the ancient community, which is still reeling from the June 5, 2022, Pentecost Sunday attack, where gunmen stormed the church, killing 41 worshippers and injuring 69 others.
The tragic incident, one of Nigeria’s deadliest acts of violence against a religious institution, left scars on Owo’s residents, many of whom remain fearful amid persistent insecurity in parts of the state and country.
Concerned about the development, the community led by its traditional ruler, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye , convened a security summit to address the rising insecurity in the area.
According to the summit’s publicity secretary, Mr Bosun Oladimeji, the maiden edition of the Owo Security Summit, themed “Securing Owo and its Environs: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience”, will be held next week.
Oladimeji maintained that the summit will raise awareness about community security, foster cooperation between residents and law enforcement, reduce crime, and propose sustainable security initiatives with the key objective to establish a Security Trust Fund to support long-term efforts.
PDP crisis: S’East caucus gives Saraki panel truce condition
The South-East caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party has given the former Senate President Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation panel a list of conditions that will stop the defections of its leaders and members from the party.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that this happened during the closed-door meeting between the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and the Saraki panel on Friday at the Enugu State Government House. Mbah is the leader of the party in the zone.
The caucus reportedly insisted that the National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, must be retained as the party’s National Secretary.
The group also said that the party would lose its grip on the South-East if the leadership failed to address the concerns of stakeholders from the zone.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the meeting was part of efforts to stem the tide of defections rocking the party, especially from the South-South and South-East.
Saraki, who addressed journalists after the meeting, had said, “Frankly, we had a very useful discussion. We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully will work on that.”
Insiders at the meeting confided in our correspondents that Mbah lamented that the zone had not been treated fairly in party affairs.
According to a source, the governor complained that the South-East, which had for years been a strong pillar of support for the party, was not respected.
He said, “The governor told the panel that, as a condition to sustain the dominance of the party in the region, the PDP must retain Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary instead of Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“He lamented that the zone had not been given due recognition in party affairs. The governor reminded the panel that the South-East, led by the then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, stood firm and brought back PDP on a strong footing when the party had a crisis in 2015. The governor told the panel that the PDP leadership must give the South-East a prominent role in the party.”
Recall that the South-East PDP leaders had on May 14 issued a communique in which they threatened to exit the party if Udeh-Okoye was not retained as National Secretary.
Signed by the Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, the communique partly read, “The South-East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In its near three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party.
“Therefore, we hope that this time around, the position of the South-East PDP regarding the office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves.
“However, in the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the party, the South-East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward.”
Party crisis
The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis centred on the position of National Secretary, involving Anyanwu and Udeh-Okoye.
The crisis began when Anyanwu, who was elected as the PDP National Secretary in 2021, contested the Imo State gubernatorial election under the party in 2023.
His participation in the election led to internal disputes within the party, with some members arguing that his candidacy effectively vacated his position as the party’s scribe.
Following the controversy, the National Executive Committee of the party asked the South-East, where Anyanwu hails from, to name his replacement.
The South-East subsequently nominated Udeh-Okoye as the new PDP scribe, a development that resulted in a legal battle.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, tensions persist within the PDP, as the party’s governors nominated the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, as the acting National Secretary.
NEC meeting
Meanwhile, Sunday PUNCH has exclusively gathered that the disputed position of National Secretary, zonal congresses, and the upcoming elective national convention will top the agenda at the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
A reliable source within the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that various committees were also expected to present progress reports.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the NEC meeting would address and resolve all outstanding issues.
The reliable source within the NWC confirmed that the party leadership was making significant efforts to ensure the meeting takes place on Tuesday.
He said, “The more the NEC meeting is postponed, the deeper the crisis within the party becomes. That’s why the current National Working Committee, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, is making every effort to ensure the meeting holds as scheduled on May 27.
“A lot of work is going on behind the scenes, though it may not be visible to the public. But this time, the NEC meeting will definitely take place.”
The source acknowledged that the meeting was expected to be tense due to the number of critical issues on the agenda.
However, there is optimism that it will end well and mark a turning point for the PDP.
“We will consider the Governors’ Forum’s recommendation for an early convention in August. The NEC will also receive reports from several committees, including the Disciplinary Panel and the Reconciliation Committee.
“In addition, discussions will cover the zonal congresses and the long-disputed position of National Secretary, which we expect the NEC to finally resolve. All pending matters affecting the party will be deliberated on, and appropriate resolutions will be made.”
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the NEC meeting will hold on May 27 as planned, with all arrangements in place to address the National Secretary dispute and other pending issues.
He said, “NEC is going to hold as scheduled on May 27. We are moving ahead with our NEC.
“Politics is all about interest. But the PDP has internal mechanisms with the capacity to reconcile all these issues. And that is why all issues about the National Secretary are going to NEC. The NEC will sort it out.
“Also, there will be several meetings before the NEC. The National Working Committee will meet with the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum, and there will be a National Caucus meeting, among others. There will be a caucus on May 26.”