🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun screened for Ogun East Senatorial District race
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was screened by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Friday for the party’s primaries for the Ogun East Senatorial District. This information was shared in a Facebook post by Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on New Media. The screening, conducted by the APC NWC Screening Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Abiodun stated that his aspiration is driven by a desire to deepen development and effective representation for Ogun East, reaffirming his commitment to quality representation, grassroots development, economic growth, and sustained progress. He also expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support and commitment to the APC's ideals. The screening is an internal APC procedure to vet aspirants for elective positions. Abiodun assured the committee of his readiness to serve with responsibility, experience, and integrity. His screening follows his adoption as a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial race during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, including former Senator Lekan Mustapha, backed him. Abiodun had previously submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, indicating his intention to transition to the legislative arm of government after his current tenure. He has stated his administration will
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has announced his intention to run for the Adamawa South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections under the African Democratic Congress. The former Adamawa State Commissioner for Works and Energy Development stated that his decision followed extensive consultations and encouragement from constituents and stakeholders. He noted that he had initially remained silent despite calls from supporters to focus on reflection and consultation. Adamu highlighted the overwhelming confidence placed in him and the demand for experienced and people-oriented representation. He confirmed obtaining his nomination form, signaling the formal start of his campaign for the Senate seat. He described his ambition as a people-driven movement focused on promoting unity, progress, and quality representation in the district. This declaration comes weeks after Adamu resigned from the cabinet of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, following the governor's defection to the All Progressives Congress. This development further involves the Atiku political family in the ADC, following the former Vice President's move to the party.
BreakingUS President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, set to begin on Saturday, May 9th, and last through May 11th. Trump stated that he personally requested the truce, and both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to it. He expressed hope that this ceasefire could lead to a long-term resolution to the conflict. The truce is also intended to include a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. This announcement follows a period of continued fighting, with both Russia and Ukraine trading attacks on Friday before Trump's statement. Ukraine had previously dismissed a unilateral two-day ceasefire announced by Russia for its May 9th World War II Victory Day, viewing it as a propaganda measure. Ukraine also stated that Moscow had ignored its earlier proposal for a short-term ceasefire. Despite the declared ceasefire, President Zelenskyy noted that the intensity of assault operations had not decreased, and Ukraine was responding in kind. Russia reported downing over 400 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine hailed a strike on an oil depot in Russia's Yaroslavl region and an air navigation center in Rostov-on-Don. President Putin convened a security council meeting, calling the strike an "act of a terrorist nature."
Intensified joint security operations in Katsina State have led to the killing of five suspected bandits and the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims. The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, stated that these operations targeted Muhammad Fulani, a notorious bandit leader active in Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Charanchi, and parts of Kano State. During these operations, security forces recovered an AK47 rifle, 10 magazines, and nine motorcycles. Among those eliminated was Samagi, an associate of bandit leader Muhammadu Kachalla. The rescued victims include 10 women, 9 men, and 13 children. The Katsina State Government, under Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated its stance against negotiating with bandits, committing to their elimination. Operations against Muhammad Fulani are ongoing, with security forces continuing their pursuit across affected areas. Citizens are urged to provide intelligence to aid these efforts. Katsina is a major center of the banditry crisis in Nigeria's North-West, which has caused mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and displacement, impacting agricultural activities.
Joke Silva, Head Judge for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, addressed concerns regarding the nomination process for the 2026 edition. Following the unveiling of the nominees list in March, which saw films like Gingerrr and The Herd receive nine nominations each, and To Kill A Monkey eight, some fans and actors expressed disappointment over omissions. Silva explained in an interview with Guardian Life that non-voting categories were reviewed by professionals with deep understanding of film, performance, and technical execution. She stated that award decisions can be subjective, with final nominations determined through a grading process by multiple judges. Silva admitted that even she was surprised by some projects not making the final cut despite their quality, attributing it to the aggregate of scores. Her comments come amid criticism, including actress Lilian Afegbai's public disappointment over her exclusion from the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in To Kill A Monkey. Silva defined an award-worthy performance as deeply embodying a character to the point of believability. Despite the debates, Silva expressed pride in the growth and quality of Nollywood productions, noting that the volume of strong projects submitted reflects the increasing standard of African film and television storytelling. This year's awards feature 32 categories, including 18 jury-voted, 11 audience-voted, and three special recognition awards, with new categories for Best Ind