
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas stated he would not support violence or bloodshed in his pursuit of a second term, emphasizing that his political future would be determined by the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Governor Kefas highlighted that public opinion would guide his reelection approach, asserting that leaders must be accountable to citizens rather than driven by a desperate quest for power. He indicated a willingness to accept rejection if the electorate is dissatisfied with his performance, stating he would rather step down than allow bloodshed. Governor Kefas reflected on his political journey, noting that his emergence as governor was influenced by timing, alignment, and past decisions, and urged politicians to trust the process. He also mentioned his administration's focus on building a lasting legacy for Taraba State, which he said was created over 29 years ago. Upon assuming office, Governor Kefas identified the absence of a developmental master plan as a major setback, despite the state's rich natural resources. To address this, his administration developed a comprehensive development plan for the entire state. Governor Kefas defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in January 2026, explaining that this decision was made in the best interest of Taraba.
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Must ReadThe Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, and other assets for Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a special operation aimed at combating maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, announced the deployment during the flag-off ceremony aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State. The operation will target piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, crude oil theft, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral P.E. Effah, highlighted that the exercise, initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy and Gulf of Guinea nations, has become a strategic platform for coordinated maritime security. He emphasized its role in fostering unity, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening regional cooperation, information sharing, and tactical readiness against evolving threats. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C. D. Okehie, noted the Gulf of Guinea's strategic importance as a global sea lane and its vulnerability to maritime threats, underscoring the need for Nigeria to build robust maritime security capabilities and deepen cooperation with partners.

Businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal has formally declared his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for the 2027 general election in Lagos. Making his declaration in Ikeja, Jim-Kamal introduced a five-point agenda and claimed a $50 billion partners’ investment proposal for the state. His blueprint covers education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban restructuring, and human capital development, pledging "free automated education at all levels" and "free automated medical services." He also proposed "decongestion of concentric zones" to decentralize economic and residential pressure, particularly towards Badagry, where he claimed investor partners are ready to back a rice cultivation project. On social welfare, he outlined direct monthly stipends of ₦100,000 for unemployed youths aged 18-29 and ₦150,000 for residents aged 60 and above, to be administered through local government registration and employment linkage systems. Jim-Kamal, who is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerturk Consortium Limited, Abuja, aligned himself with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and raised concerns about the marginalisation of indigenous Awori communities. For security, he proposed a state-wide controlled entry system with monitored access points. His declaration comes ahead of the APC primary nomination deadline of May 21 and introduces a new dynamic into the Lagos APC, where the Governance Advisory Council had previously endorsed Deputy Gove

The Federal Government and Kwara State Government are intensifying social protection efforts, with over 460,000 households benefiting from the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme. This was announced during a visit by Dr. Bernard M. Doro, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to Ilorin. The engagement brought together federal and state officials, development partners, and beneficiaries from across the state's 16 local government areas. Dr. Doro commended Kwara State for its strong implementation and commitment, calling the program a critical pillar in Nigeria's poverty reduction strategy and a model for federal-state collaboration. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and data-driven targeting to reach vulnerable households and urged beneficiaries to use funds judiciously. The Minister assured continued federal commitment to scaling humanitarian interventions. Mariam Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, highlighted the program's alignment with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's vision for social inclusion, particularly for orphans, vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. She noted that the HOPE-CT program has reached over 183,000 households in the first phase, 139,000 in the second, and 141,000 in the third. Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, stated that over 463,000 households are expected to benefit. Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, Acting General Manager of KWASSIP, noted Kwa

Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, explained his decision to decline an invitation to an opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State. Sowore stated that Nigerians deserve a credible alternative rather than a recycling of what he described as failed political actors. In a post on X, he dismissed the gathering as lacking substance, arguing that many attendees had contributed to Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized that his party, the African Action Congress, would not associate with what he termed a deceptive political arrangement designed to recycle failed political actors. Sowore maintained his focus on building a people-driven movement rooted in accountability and integrity, and criticized major political parties for representing the same political culture. The summit, held at the Oyo State Government House, was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde. Other attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Organizers stated the summit aimed to strengthen coordination among opposition parties and chart a common front for future elections.