The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has taken a swipe at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that it has left Nigeria worse than it met it three years ago when he assumed office. Afenifere said this in a statement titled, “Tinubu’s Third Year Report: Summum Malum or Summum Bonum”, and signed by its leader, His Royal Highness, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. The group stated that the Tinubu administration is breeding poverty, unemployment and insecurity. “Afenifere is fearful of the current course of our democracy, and commiserates with Nigerian citizens following three years of the inauguration of this maladministration that has bred poverty, unemployment, mass killings and kidnappings, tampering with democratic federalism, subjugation of other arms of government, etc. “According to Chapter Two, Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, the primary purpose of governance is welfare and security. Across the world, citizens are motivated by their governments either with Summum Malum – fear of Ultimate Evil – violent death, poverty, tyranny, or Summum Bonum – promise of Ultimate Good – homes, prosperity, security etc,” it said. The group lamented that for an administration that came to power on a mantra of renewed hope, one can only dare to hope that the country’s electoral system could do the right thing by the next Inauguration Day. It also bemoaned insecurity in the country, corruption and economic stagnation, accusing the present administration of dragging Nigeria backwards. The apex Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation stated: “The nightmare of ultimate evil has become a reality under the APC administration, with teachers being beheaded, children being kidnapped, and villages ransacked and displaced. The ongoing kidnapping of students and teachers and gruesome murders in Kwara, Oyo and other States is a painful reminder of the Tinubu government’s culpable wilful negligence of not restructuring our security architecture, especially the failure to create State and Community Police. “Nigerians can’t help but question whether there is an unholy pact between the APC and terrorists following the admission by some APC stalwarts that they imported terrorists to embarrass President Jonathan out of office in 2015, after which insecurity moved wholesale to President Buhari’s Northwest region, and now to President Tinubu’s Southwest region. “Previously, we heard of politicians sleeping in coffins for political pacts with their godfathers; now our whole democracy is wearing coffin shoes under APC governance.”

A member of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has stated that the participation of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election will significantly change Nigeria’s political landscape. Agbedi, who serves the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives, also confirmed that the former Nigerian president intends to run for the nation’s highest office again under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Agbedi was inquired about the implications of Jonathan’s candidacy in a race that already features prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, all vying to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 election. “It carries significant weight; it will disrupt the entire political environment,” Agbedi remarked. The politician from Bayelsa asserted that Jonathan is now more equipped than ever to assume the leadership of the nation, emphasizing that he is the most suitable individual to guide Nigeria at this time. “He is more qualified for the position. A serious nation within a democratic framework seeks out the most capable individuals, regardless of their location, to respond to the urgent needs of the country by saying, ‘We require a competent, capable, tested, and trusted leader to steer our nation.’ This is the approach of a serious country,” he said. Agbedi remarked that following eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and three years under Tinubu, Nigerians are eager for another four years of Jonathan to bring stability to the nation. He indicated that conditions are becoming increasingly difficult for Nigerians under the governance of the APC, and many believe that Jonathan is the individual who can save the country. Agbedi’s statements followed a court ruling that permitted the former president to run in the 2027 presidential election. On Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit brought by attorney Johnmary Jideobi, which sought to prevent Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election. In delivering the ruling, Justice Lifu also imposed a fine of N20 million against Jideobi in favor of the former president. Additionally, a fine of N1 million was levied against the plaintiff in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF. Justice Lifu determined that Jideobi did not possess the legal standing to file the lawsuit, as he had not experienced any harm from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run in the upcoming election. The judge pointed out that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Jonathan was eligible to contest, stating that he was obligated to adhere to the appellate court’s ruling. Justice Lifu subsequently characterized the lawsuit as “an abuse of the court process.”

The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, rejected the Lagos APC primary results for several constituencies. During a meeting with market stakeholders at her Alausa office, she alleged that valid mandates in Mushin II, Agege II, and Ojokoro were stolen. She threatened protests and called for the disbandment of dominant political factions. She claimed that winning aspirants were short-changed to benefit members of the Justice Forum faction of the party. The Iyaloja-General called for the total cancellation of both the Justice Forum and Mandate Movement groupings within the party. She highlighted three primary elections where she insisted actual winners were denied victory:Mushin Federal Constituency II (Seye Oladejo)Agege Constituency II (Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo)Ojokoro (Olotu Emmanuel Ojo) Tinubu-Ojo noted that tension is rising because the incoming governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, is aligned with the Justice Forum. Consequently, politicians from the Mandate Movement are reportedly migrating to the Justice Forum to gain an advantage. She warned that marginalizing grassroots workers could negatively impact party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. She urged both state and national APC leaders to review the disputed primary results before they are formally ratified by the party.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, allayed the fears of abducted teachers’ and students’ family members, assuring that his administration was making serious efforts to secure their release. Makinde gave this assurance while receiving the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, the state capital, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Makinde said, “The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families. “So, I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.” He expressed sympathy with families affected by the incident and prayed for divine intervention for those going through difficult moments. THENEWSCREDIT reports that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, penultimate Friday around 9:30 a.m. The governor called for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians as the country gradually moves towards another political season, saying that political differences should not divide the people. He said Oyo remained a liberal and tolerant state where religion and ethnicity could not easily be used as tools of division, urging residents to place the interest of the state and the country above political sentiments. He stated, “Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed everyone in Oyo and Nigeria, happy Eid celebration and I wish all of us many, many more of it in the land of the living. “This is because we are moving towards a political season and for us in Oyo we are very liberal and tolerant people. So, it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.” The governor stressed that political offices were temporary, while the collective interest of the state and the nation must remain paramount. He said, “Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing. “In another seven or eight months, president-elect would have emerged, governors-elect would have emerged. And whoever emerges, we will have to work together in the interest of our state and our country with such individuals and set of people.” Earlier, the state Deputy Governor, Lawal, who led a delegation of Muslim faithfuls to the governor’s private residence to pay the traditional Eid-el-Kabir homage and celebrate with him, added that the visit was in keeping with the spirit of the Eid celebration, which promotes peace, unity, sacrifice and togetherness among the people. He also commended the governor for sustaining religious harmony and inclusive governance in Oyo State, noting that the administration had continued to treat all residents fairly irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, joining in supplications for peace, unity, and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria. The special prayer session, which commenced at about 9 a.m., was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, who offered prayers seeking Allah’s mercy for the nation, stability in governance, and protection for citizens amid ongoing security concerns. The congregation also prayed fervently for the safe return of victims abducted in Ahoro Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, urging security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore calm to affected communities.

Angry commuters and pedestrians were recorded on video raining insults and curses on President Bola Tinubu as his heavily armed convoy halted movement in Lagos. Frustrated residents were stranded under the scorching sun for extended periods, sparking heavy online criticism over the disruption of daily economic activities. The viral footage captured visibly furious citizens condemning the security operatives who blocked major roads to allow the presidential motorcade to pass. Many of the stranded individuals—stuck in traffic during peak hours—decried the disruption as a symbol of the widening disconnect between top government officials and ordinary Nigerians who are already battling severe economic hardships. Such traffic halts are not isolated to Lagos; residents in Abuja have also repeatedly raised concerns over severe artificial gridlocks whenever the presidential convoy travels between the state house and his private residence. The situation has renewed public debates regarding the need for better traffic planning and route management by security details to reduce the burden placed on the public during official state movements. The video has ignited a storm of reactions across social media platforms. Critics argue that public office holders should adopt measures that minimize public inconvenience rather than subjecting struggling citizens to hours of delay on top of existing infrastructural and economic challenges. While presidential security is widely acknowledged as essential, the recurring incidents of halted traffic continue to fuel public resentment, with many calling on the Presidency to review its transit protocols and ease the strain on daily commuters.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has warned President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders against issuing Children’s Day messages amid worsening insecurity and repeated abductions of schoolchildren across the country. In a lengthy post shared on X on Wednesday, Ezekwesili accused the Nigerian political class of failing children and lacking the moral justification to celebrate Children’s Day. Addressing the President, Vice President, governors, members of the National Assembly and state assemblies, the former minister said they had “abandoned, betrayed, and condemned” Nigerian children to suffering. She cited several incidents of school abductions across the country, including the reported kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna and Sokoto states. Ezekwesili also referenced the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, noting that many of the victims were still missing more than a decade later. According to her, successive incidents of mass kidnappings and attacks on schools showed the failure of leadership and the inability of government to protect children. She further claimed that thousands of students had been affected by school abductions in recent years, while many schools were forced to shut down due to insecurity. The former minister said Nigerian leaders should focus on addressing insecurity and protecting children rather than issuing ceremonial Children’s Day messages. “To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Vice President, the Governors of the 36 States, the Federal Executive Council, the Members of the National Assembly, the State Houses of Assembly, and the entire political class that has captured and destroyed the Nigeria State: “Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a “Happy Children’s Day.” Do not dare release the recycled, ghost-written platitudes your media handlers have already drafted. “Do not dare stand in front of cameras, surrounded by carefully arranged children in matching uniforms, to perform a tenderness you have never extended to the millions of Nigerian children you have abandoned, betrayed, and condemned to lives of suffering. “You have no moral standing to wish anything to Nigerian children. None,” part of her message read.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, USCIRF, has disclosed that no fewer than 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across Nigeria. The USCIRF’s report titled “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants,” said armed Fulani militants are the ones worsening insecurity and religious freedom violations in several parts of the country. The report, which was released in May 2026, described the armed groups as some of the deadliest non-state actors responsible for violent attacks across the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria. The USCIRF stated that the militants operate in clusters ranging from 10 to 1,000 fighters, carrying out coordinated assaults that have led to thousands of deaths, mass displacement and heightened religious tensions. According to the Commission, attacks linked to Fulani militants accounted for the highest number of deaths among religious communities in Nigeria in the past year, surpassing casualties attributed to organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs. It pointed out that although many attacks targeted Christian communities, Muslim communities had also suffered killings, kidnappings and raids. “Violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year compared to attacks by organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs,” it said. The commission noted that while the groups lacked a central leadership structure, some factions occasionally collaborated with bandit networks and extremist organisations. “These actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations. “While many Fulani militant groups wage independent attacks, others periodically coordinate with a wide range of actors, from conventional bandit gangs seeking financial enrichment to recognised terrorist organisations that espouse violent interpretations of Islam,” it added.

The ancient city of Ogbomoso is set for grand celebrations tomorrow, May 28, 2026, as prominent philanthropist and media executive, Maami Yeyelua Ashabi Abimbola Oluwatoyin Odebunmi, marks her birthday. Mrs. Odebunmi, the Chairperson of BRAVE 91.1 FM, Ogbomoso, is the wife of Rt. Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi (Bunvic), a former Nigerian lawmaker and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency. Her special day has triggered widespread anticipation across Oyo State, with residents preparing to clear the roads and beat the drums in her honour. An outpouring of tributes has already commenced, led by BRAVE 91.1 FM’s Head of Programmes, Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin, who joined thousands of well-wishers to celebrate her. In a heartfelt statement, Kowinrin described the chairperson as a "darling sister" and an extraordinary motivator whose positive impacts and deep generosity to mankind inspire everyone around her. The station`s staff and loyal listeners have actively mobilized to ensure the day reflects her immense contribution to the community. Affectionately called the "mother of all" and a devoted lover of God, Yeyelua Odebunmi is widely recognized for her extensive humanitarian gestures and community leadership. Her role at the helm of BRAVE 91.1 FM has further cemented her legacy as a pillar of support and development in the region. As the community gears up for tomorrow`s festivities, messages of congratulations and prayers continue to flood in for the celebrated philanthropist. Beyond her media leadership, Yeyelua Odebunmi’s deep commitment to faith and community welfare has earned her a reputation as a compassionate matriarch, providing critical lifelines to widows, orphans, and less privileged families in Ogo-Oluwa and Surulere ,Ogbomoso and Nigeria at large. Her collaborative partnership with her husband, Rt. Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, forms a powerful political and humanitarian alliance that shapes the socio-political landscape of Oyo State. As preparations wrap up for her milestone birthday on May 28, dignitaries and community leaders are expected to honor her decades of dedication to uplifting the people of Ogbomoso. As the countdown to tomorrow ends, local organizers and cultural troupes are preparing special performances to honour her title as Yeyelua. The milestone celebration is expected to bring together dignitaries from across Oyo State to witness the massive show of love for a woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting others. Well-wishers continue to pray for her long life, good health, and continued wisdom as she enters a new year of impactful service.

A young man simply identified as Qawiyu from Ibaragun has appealed to the Nigerian police for forgiveness after raising an alarm over a fake bandits attack in Ogun State. The man, who is already in police custody, said that he raised the alarm in a video only to get social media followers. He said: “I raised a fake bandits attack just to gain TikTok followers. Please forgive me. My Ileya customers’ clothes are still in my shop.” When asked how he got the Fulani herdsman he used in the video, the man said, “The Fulani herdsman used to move with his cows in their area just behind his shop. “I asked him to feature in the video so that I could get content. He initially refused but I insisted. I told my apprentice to do the recording. I did it because I saw people doing it to gain followers.”

Security forces have launched immediate rescue operations to free victims of Yashikira abduction which occured on Sunday night, THENEWSCREDIT reports. Military and police operatives, it was gathered, have established a cordon in the area as part of the efforts to rescue about 10 persons who were reportedly taken from the community in an overnight attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Seriki. The Emir, however, escaped unhurt in the invasion on his palace. Yashikira is in the Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara state. The attackers also sought to raid the local police stations but were reportedly repelled. An official statement on the incident was yet to be issued by the police authorities at the time of this report on Monday.