APC Disqualifies Omisore, Five Others from Osun Guber Race

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified a former deputy governor and ex-National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore; another former deputy governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; and four other governorship aspirants from participating in its December 13, 2025, primary election in Osun State.

 

Others affected by the disqualification are Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

In its report submitted on Friday to the party’s organisation department, the seven-member screening committee chaired by Barrister Obinna Uzor announced that only two aspirants, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, met all requirements to contest the primary.

According to the committee, both aspirants “fulfilled regulatory conditions as stipulated by the party’s guidelines, the Constitution and the Electoral Act”, thereby earning full clearance.

However, the panel referred the six disqualified aspirants to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a final review and possible clearance before the shadow poll.

The committee revealed in its six-page report, signed by all members, that it acted on a petition submitted by the Osun APC Renewal Group.

The petition had urged the disqualification of two aspirants on the grounds that they failed to meet the mandatory nominator requirements set by the APC Constitution and guidelines.

The panel stated that “upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial and germane to the integrity of the screening process.” It added that, in the interest of fairness and uniform application of the rules, the same standards were applied to all nine aspirants.

“Accordingly, the Committee extended the same scrutiny to all nine aspirants, ensuring that every sponsor (nominator) of an aspirant was assessed on the basis of compliance with Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the Guidelines,” the report noted, saying this was to preserve a level playing field and uphold internal party democracy.

At the end of the two-day exercise, the committee confirmed that only Jimoh and Oyebamiji “satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.”

It observed that Senators Omisore and Omoworare and Babayemi, Ogunbiyi, Alabi, Adegoke and Oralusi failed to meet the mandatory condition of being nominated by at least five financially compliant members from each local government, as required under Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the 2025 Governorship Primary Guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee chaired by Senator Tola Odebiyi is scheduled to sit on Saturday in Abuja to hear petitions from the seven disqualified aspirants and any other aggrieved party stakeholders.

Eedris Abdulkarim Reportedly Snubs Actor Saidi Balogun at Abuja Birthday Party

The Federal Capital Territory was the setting for high-octane drama on Tuesday night as music icon Eedris Abdulkarim turned a celebrity birthday bash into an impromptu political press conference, stunning guests and delivering a direct, scorching message to Aso Rock via veteran actor Saidi Balogun.

The star-studded event was the lavish birthday celebration for Oloflix boss, High Chief Olusola Obio. The guest list was a who's who of Nollywood and Nigeria’s music scene, including powerhouses like Saidi Balogun, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, Yomi Fash Lanso, Jaiye Kuti and Femi Branch among other notable guests.

    Eedris Abdulkareem

 

However, the mood shifted when the renowned 'Nigeria Jaga Jaga' crooner, Eedris Abdulkarim, made his entrance. Known for his unflinching anti-establishment lyrics, Eedris initially refused to acknowledge Saidi Balogun, a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. Balogun currently serves as a member of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos, where he is the Chairman of the Physical Development and Project Monitoring Committee.

The fun atmosphere at birthday bash changed when Eedris took the stage for a performance, revisiting some of his classic tracks, including fan favorites from his 'Remedies' era. Midway through his set, he openly addressed the gathering, confirming the cold shoulder he gave the veteran actor despite their long-standing relationship.

Addressing Mr. Balogun directly, Eedris marveled at the actor's unshakeable commitment to the current administration. The rapper openly told the gathering that he refused to greet Saidi Balogun despite their having come a very long way from their younger years. He also gave him an unexpected accolade, saying he has always marvel at the actor's energy in defending and promoting anything that has to do with President Bola Tinubu. This, he described as unparalleled and novel.

Creating a moment of palpable silence, Eedris declared: “Balogun, you see me dey do like say I no see you? Na intentional. I need to get your attention for this very important national assignment.” He then elaborated on the actor's political gusto, stating: “Your loyalty to Aso Rock, my brother, is five-star. That kind commitment na film trick wey turn reality. We dey watch am!”

Using Balogun as his direct messenger, Eedris delivered his challenge to the Commander-in-Chief, giveing him a direct message to President Tinubu, asking Mr Balogun to tell the President that Nigerians are hungry and that Mr President should make haste to end the insecurity in the country.

Eedris further stated that if Mr Balogun fails to deliver his message to President Tinubu, it would mean that the veteran actor has done 'ojoro' (foul play).

The powerful message from Eedris left guests stunned but the situation was quickly maturely handled to prevent the birthday bash from becoming another political gathering or an avenue to vent anger against President Bola Tinubu's administration. The evening eventually returned to celebration, but the message delivered from the stage is likely to reverberate well beyond the party's walls.

General Musa Makes Demand as Senate Clears Him as New Defence Minister

The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence after a five-hour interrogation by the legislators on Wednesday.

General Musa, who recently served as CDS, received confirmation from the lawmakers following his screening in the Senate chambers, just a day after President Bola Tinubu put his name forward for the role.

His screening took place amid a period of increased insecurity in Nigeria, where mass abductions, particularly of students in schools, have become a frequent occurrence. One notable case involved the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, accompanied by reports that troops left the scene moments before the attackers arrived.

General Musa stressed during the screening that one of his first actions would be to investigate the alleged withdrawal of the troops.

“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” the minister said at the event attended by his family members, among others.

“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Musa as the new Minister of Defence on Tuesday, following the resignation of Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, the former minister.

Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, served as Nigeria's chief of defence staff from 2023 until October 2025.

Serial Child Molester Re-Arrested in Lagos, Group Demands Justice

The Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment Foundation has raised alarm over the repeated sexual abuse of young boys in the Mile 12–Ketu area of Lagos, following the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Ali Umar, who was caught molesting a 12-year-old boy.

 

The foundation said it became aware of the situation during an outreach in the community, where residents revealed that Umar, who lives at 12 Adebimpe Street, Kosofe, had been previously caught abusing young boys. According to the community, he allegedly groomed victims by promising to buy them mobile phones, after which he lured them to his room and sexually assaulted them. On one occasion, he reportedly kept two boys in his room for two weeks before they were rescued by residents. He was released after pleading for forgiveness.

 

Ali Umar, suspect

 

However, on November 21, 2025, the suspect was allegedly caught again in the act with another 12-year-old boy and was beaten by community members.

Five days later, on November 26, the NGO received another distress call. Two of its social workers, John Thompson and Temitope Oyeniyi, working alongside officers from Ketu Police Station, apprehended Umar and handed him over to the police.

A medical examination conducted at the Mirabel Centre, Ikeja, confirmed that the child victim had been sexually assaulted through the anus.

Umar was arraigned on November 28, 2025, before Magistrate O.A. Daodu and subsequently remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to a later date.

Ambassador (Mrs.) Pat Isiorho-Eleto, CEO of the foundation, condemned the recurring assaults and assured that the organisation would ensure the case receives full legal attention without delay.

She also expressed deep appreciation to the Ketu Police Station for their prompt intervention, thanking the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Betty Coker, and the Divisional Police Officer for their swift and professional response. She added that the foundation looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the police to protect vulnerable children.

Meanwhile, the assaulted child is undergoing emotional and psychological counselling to aid recovery from the trauma.

The NGO and the victim’s family have appealed to the Lagos State Government to ensure that justice is served without delay.

Factional PDP Issues 'Certificates of Expulsion' To Wike, Anyanwu, Others

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued expulsion certificates to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other officials expelled at the last convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Addressing journalists after a meeting of the NWC on Tuesday in Abuja, National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, said the issue of expelled of members was discussed at the meeting.

Turaki explained that “We have taken note of the fact that Nigerian law frowns on dual membership of political parties, and so we have sought to make it easy for them. Now that they are no longer members of our party, and now that the National Convention which is the highest decision-making organ of our party has expelled them, we have decided to issue them certificates of expulsion.

“So that, when they go to register with other political parties in Nigeria, they will show these certificates as proof that they are no longer members of the PDP, and so those parties will not accuse them of trying to belong to more than one political party.”

He said the certificates had been dispatched via courier to the 11 persons  namely, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Umaru Bature; Kamarudeen Ajibade,SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Mr Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah Nnanna; George Turna and Chief Dan Orbih.

Turaki said the move became necessary to allow Nigerians, particularly critical institutions involved in managing the affairs of political parties, especially INEC, and agencies managing security affairs in society to know their status.

He asked the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and other government agencies should “know that these people are no longer members of our party. They have been expelled. They remain expelled. We have now certified their expulsion, and these certificates have been sent to them.”

He also went further to say that soon, members of the society will be informed “via proper disclaimers that any person henceforth who decides to do business with them any or all of them does so at his or her own risk. They are no longer members of the People’s Democratic Party. They have been expelled. You today are living witnesses to their certificates of expulsion. We hope that members of the PDP in Nigeria and the diaspora will know that the party has once again gotten rid of the cankerworms that have been afflicting and creating problems for us in our activities.

“We are now prepared to be saddled with the responsibility of performing our functions as the leading opposition party in Nigeria. We are going to provide a credible alternative to Nigerians. We are going to provide credible leadership to Nigerians by the special grace of God from 2027.”

Why Tinubu Picked Ex-CDS, Christopher Musa, As New Defence Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola Lauds Tinubu For Appointing New Spy Chiefs

Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing new intelligence chiefs to enhance the security architecture of Nigeria.

It is recalled that the President on Monday announced the appointments of Mohammed Mohamed as the Director-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General for the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kemi, a behavioural, developmental and child/young persons care professional, gave the commendation to the President in a press statement she made available to newsmen on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

She expressed hope that the action of the president would position the security system to contain the raging kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and bandidary which had ravaged the country.

She further commended the intelligence chiefs for working hard in the course of their careers to predispose themselves to be appointed to such high profile offices, advising them to see their new national assignments as a patriotic duty to write their names in gold and bring pride to their families if they perform as creditably as anticipated.

She charged them on the task ahead and urged them to be dedicated and committed to the ideals of the intelligence community, one of which is the promotion of intelligence gathering, monitoring and management as well as engendering modern diplomatic practices.

Her statement reads in parts, "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again proved his mettle as a leader who is strong-willed to keep the security and intelligence architecture of the country in right track by appointing thoroughbred and patriotic Nigerians to be in charge of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Department of State Services (DSS). This will truly mark the beginning of new expectations by Nigerians in efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.

The action of the President would further position the security system to contain the raging kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, and bandidary, which had ravaged the country. This latest development will also help to deepen career progression and boost officer's moral. It will also help to expand intelligence gathering, monitoring and management as well as citizen's engagement and accentuate modern diplomatic practices. It's a thing of joy for those of us in the diaspora that we now have a country that could be better secured internally and also outside the shores of Nigeria by committed individuals."