Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigerian troops should not have fought Biafran soldiers during the Nigerian Civil War, describing civil conflicts as painful because citizens are forced to fight one another. Obasanjo made the statement in Abeokuta on Monday, May 11, 2026, while reflecting on his experience during the 1967 to 1970 civil war and speaking on national unity and reconciliation. The former president, who served as a commander during the war, said civil wars differ from external battles because the objective should be peace and unity rather than destruction. According to him, Nigerian soldiers and Biafran troops were all citizens of the same country, making the conflict emotionally difficult for many involved. He said, “We shouldn’t have fought ourselves. Civil war is different from fighting external enemies because at the end of the day, you are fighting your brothers”. He added that the lessons from the war should encourage Nigerians to promote peace, dialogue and unity in order to prevent another national conflict.

The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has appealed that all must be done to ensure that the group remains indivisible. Fasoranti, who stated this on Monday during the celebration of his centenary birthday, urged members to put aside their differences for the unity of the group. According to the elder statesman, Afenifere must endeavour to speak with one voice, stressing that the house built together for the Yoruba people remains one. While stating that a centenary is a long journey, Fasoranti disclosed that he has witnessed colonial rule, independence, war, and peace. “Life has not been without pain. I have buried my beloved wife, Oladiwura, and I have lost two of my daughters. The weight of those losses is heavy, and there are days the sorrow feels fresh. But in all of it, I have held on to God. He has been my strength, my comfort, and my anchor. ‘The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ That has been my song, and it still is. “In politics, I chose to serve, not to take. Afenifere taught me that leadership is sacrifice. A politician with a large heart bears no grudge. I held office without bitterness, and I leave office with clean hands. That is the example I want the younger generation to follow.”

Charles Omole, the author of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that there are no fewer than five cabals allegedly influencing the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, the author listed the cabals as including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila’s group. Omole said the second cabal is that of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, while the third cabal is headed by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu. The author described the fourth cabal as the young associates around the president, while the last cabal is the one headed by Tinubu himself. “There are five cabals controlling President Tinubu’s administration. The first cabal is the one headed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. “The second cabal is that of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu. I can name the Minister of Youth and a few others that were singlehandedly chosen by Seyi Tinubu. That’s why you see the Youth Minister always following Seyi. “And then another cabal is the First Lady. She has her own sphere of influence in terms of access to the president. Then the fourth cabal are the thugs and young guys around Tinubu,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed excitement on Saturday as 12 of the girls abducted from their secondary school in Chibok in 2014, but who eventually regained freedom, formally completed their university education at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also celebrated the graduation of the 12 girls, remarking that adversity is not the end of life when the right corrective steps are taken. The 12 were among hundreds abducted from Chibok 12 years ago, but were later freed and subsequently enrolled at AUN with sponsorship from the Federal Government. Vice President Shettima, during AUN’s 17th Commencement (Convocation) of the Class of 2026 in Yola, said that although the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remains a wound on the conscience of the nation, some measure of redemption is being achieved as 12 more of the girls complete their university education. Represented at the occasion by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Shettima commended AUN, a private university owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for holding the girls to the same academic standards as other students. “To the girls, I assure you that your country has not finished its obligation to you,” Shettima said, while the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development noted that the Federal Government has further plans for the graduates. The minister, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the government has invested heavily since the recovery of the first set of abducted schoolgirls and would not abandon the fresh graduates. Although hundreds of students graduated during the convocation on Saturday, attention centred on the 12 Chibok girls, two of whom, in separate interviews, expressed their joy at becoming graduates. The President (Vice Chancellor) of AUN, Professor DeWayne Frazier, said in his commencement address that the 12 Chibok girls would walk across the graduation stage in a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once sought to silence their future.

Controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid following the economic situation of the country. The singer publicly criticised second term ambition in a video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday. While questioning the president’s achievement since he assumed office in 2023, Darlington lamented the government policy failure, structural failure, economic miscalculation, and worsening insecurity. Darlington further stated that a second term under Tinubu administration would be “hell fire” for Nigerians. ‘’You are here breaking your neck to become the next President of Nigeria but you’re not qualified to be President again. From your first term, we already know that your second term is going to be hell fire. “When you came to the office in 2023, the first thing you did was to remove the subsidy, knowing very well that everything about Nigerian life is attached to petroleum. Giving those in the oil section thousands of reasons to inflate fuel price, knowing fully well that Nigerians are naturally greedy. Just tell me, what qualifies you for a second term? ‘’You’re not qualify again, You don’t know the job. You haven’t done anything about the rising insecurity across Nigeria.”

Over 35 million candidates have written examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council, NECO, in the last 25 years, according to the Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi. Wushishi disclosed this at the Council’s 25th anniversary gala and awards night in Minna, where he said NECO, established on July 10, 1999, was created to provide a national alternative examination body following long-standing demands for a credible and locally responsive assessment institution. He said the figure of about 35 million candidates reflects cumulative participation in NECO examinations over the years, including the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and other assessments conducted by the Council. The Registrar also referenced the institutional background of NECO, noting that its creation followed recommendations from government panels between 1977 and 1997, which repeatedly highlighted the need for a national examination body. The event also featured the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, former NECO Registrar from 1999 to 2007 and ex-JAMB Registrar, in recognition of his role in the early development of the council. NECO also recognised schools and states based on performance indicators in its SSCE Internal examinations since inception. Dority International Early Learning School was named the overall best-performing secondary school, followed by Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School. In the state category, Bayelsa State was recognised for recording the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above, while Lagos State was acknowledged for registering the highest number of candidates for NECO examinations. Ogun, Edo, Kaduna and Oyo states were also recognised for various performance outcomes in the SSCE Internal results. Wushishi said the Council would continue to review its processes and adopt technology-driven approaches to improve examination administration and maintain standards.

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” who lost his life to a thunder strike while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital. The public relations officer of the command, ASP Nahum Daso, in a tribute on Friday, said the officer was struck on Wednesday alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived the incident. According to him, both officers had attempted to seek shelter before the rain started but were caught by lightning before reaching their destination. The statement read, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy. “It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ a police officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty, was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu. “As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty,” he said. Daso added, “While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.” He described Inspector Garba as a man who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity. “He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm. “Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many; he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service,” he said. The police spokesperson further stated that the officer’s sudden passing had left shock, grief and painful memories in the hearts of colleagues and members of the public who knew him. “Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan will appear on the 2027 presidential ballot, a coalition pushing for his return to power has declared. However, Jonathan himself is yet to formally accept the proposal. The Convener of the Coalition for Jonathan and a member of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Tom Ohikere, made the disclosure in an interview with ARISE TV, saying the former president would make his position known within one to two days. He was responding to questions about Jonathan’s comment that seeking the presidency was “not a computer game,” which Ohikere said had been misread by some observers. “Let me make sure that it must not be misunderstood by Nigerians. When he said it’s not a computer game, what he was trying to say was that it’s not an easy thing for somebody to just come up and say he wants to contest presidency. A lot is involved. It’s a huge process, a very comprehensive process. “But all I want to say is that Goodluck Jonathan will be on the ballot,” he said. When pressed on whether Jonathan had accepted the coalition’s proposal, Ohikere acknowledged he had not. “He never accepted. But in the fullness of time, shortly, shortly, give him the next one or two days, he will make his pronouncement,” he said. The coalition has been actively pressing Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, framing his potential candidacy as a vehicle for national healing and unity. During recent visits, Jonathan reportedly indicated he would consult widely before arriving at a decision. The ADC has positioned itself as the platform for Jonathan’s potential run, as opposition forces continue to regroup ahead of the 2027 general elections. Jonathan’s eligibility to contest, however, remains the subject of legal dispute. A Federal High Court suit is challenging whether his return to the ballot would violate term limit provisions of the 1999 Constitution, given that he served as president from 2010 to 2015. Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari and conceded defeat before results were fully announced.

Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against proceeding with a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election. This is coming after a group approached the former president on Thursday, pleading with him to contest in the elections. Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, told the former president that his ambition may stain his image. The prophet, who had earlier mentioned that Jonathan’s coming on board will shake APC, maintained that his candidacy will shift the political setting in the country, but asked him to exercise caution. “Former President Goodluck Jonathan will be good on the ballot, but his prestigious image may be stained. “If truly he wants to contest, it will be tough for every candidate, including President Tinubu, but he must be very careful,” he stated. The prophet noted that the former president is afraid and indecisive. However, he urged him to be courageous in anything he wants to do and prepare for what is coming ahead because it won’t be an easy journey for him. “Jonathan’s candidacy will shock a lot of people, but he is scared. He must be courageous because the journey isn’t for the faint-hearted. If that is what he wants to do, he must be brave; it will not be an easy thing for him,” he added. Also, he stated that “Jonathan will get international backing and sponsors if he decides to contest. Regardless, it won’t be easy for him.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has said there are no plans by Muslims to drive out Christians in Nigeria. Speaking at the first triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, in Abuja, Abubakar said Muslims would not remove Christians from Nigeria. The Sultan said, “Today, as I stand here, I want to affirm that Muslims are not in a hurry and have no plans for anything, including the decimation of the Christian population in Nigeria. These are the only points, nothing else. “We are in no position at all to take Christians out of Nigeria. The topic of health remains highly relevant, as shown by the connection to terms like health, physical activity, mental health, depression, and rehabilitation.” The monarch harped on the need for christians and muslims to coexist in the country. “Let us get the narrative right; it is not about religion. Let us stop bringing religion into it. Let’s refer to them by their true identity: criminals, not specifically Muslim criminals, not Muslim terrorists, not Muslim bandits. “Let’s refer to them by their true identity: criminals, not Muslim criminals, not Muslim terrorists, not Muslim bandits. Even if a person says they are Muslim, their actions are not in line with Islam.”