General News
STAKES HIGH AS APC GROUPS PUSH EARLY MOBILISATION, BACK MAIKALANGU FOR RE-ELECTION
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress have called for early, data-driven mobilisation, wider public enlightenment, and the grooming of a new political generation as Nigeria approaches the 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory and the 2027 general elections. The call was made during a strategic engagement meeting organised by the Progressive Next Generation Initiative, a data-driven analytics platform established to produce and support emerging leaders.
The event featured PNGI Convener Hon. Jeffery Omoh Ozemegwa, AMAC Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, and former APC presidential aspirant Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dauda.
Ozemegwa stated that PNGI was founded on the understanding that a major generational shift will reshape Nigeria’s leadership after 2027. “Over 15% of current political actors will phase out, making it necessary to nurture a younger, data-driven political class,” he said. He affirmed PNGI’s support for Chairman Maikalangu, citing his achievements, character, and leadership qualities. Ozemegwa also noted that many ward chairmen and councillors lack a proper understanding of government policies, emphasizing that political orientation is essential. He revealed PNGI plans to deploy its structures across the FCT, with Ibrahim Ombugadu linking grassroots engagement and capacity building.
TSG DG, Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, commended PNGI for the meeting, describing such engagements as crucial for appraising achievements and strengthening campaign messaging. He said Maikalangu’s performance makes him a strong APC asset, stressing that the party welcomes only individuals who add value. Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the FCT, including a full civil service structure and infrastructure expansion, Yakasai urged FCT residents and APC structures to deliver a landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027 to end debates over FCT votes.
AMAC Chairman Maikalangu thanked PNGI for the honour and revealed that mobilisation for 2026 and 2027 has already begun. “AMAC is too large for last-minute campaigns. Early engagement across churches and communities is already underway,” he said. He urged national APC leaders to take the FCT elections seriously and support immediate grassroots mobilisation, predicting APC victories in both elections.
Former APC presidential aspirant Dr. Ibrahim Bello Dauda lauded Maikalangu’s performance, stating that value sells itself. He addressed misunderstandings of Tinubu’s reforms, explaining that the new tax regime exempts businesses with turnovers below ₦50 million, covering over 70% of Nigerians. He added that almost ₦7 billion has been released to community health centres nationwide to provide free treatment for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and patients with diabetes or hypertension. Dauda called for harmonised enlightenment efforts between PNGI, TSG, and FCT party structures to ensure citizens understand government policies.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to support Maikalangu’s re-election as AMAC Chairman, citing his visible achievements. Stakeholders also called on the APC national leadership to strengthen early mobilisation, adopt data-driven messaging, and position a new generation of leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.