Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers

The media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Paul Ibe, has called on the Department of State Services and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

Ibe made the call on Thursday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that security agencies should take advantage of any credible information capable of aiding efforts to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks. His intervention followed recent comments by Igboho during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, where the activist claimed he knew the politicians allegedly backing kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West.

According to Igboho, the kidnappers were not invincible and could be dislodged if decisive action was taken against them. “If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so they can be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said. The activist further alleged that political actors were sponsoring insecurity to destabilise the country, adding that similar tactics were previously used against former President Goodluck Jonathan and were now being targeted at President Bola Tinubu. “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him,” Igboho stated.

Reacting to Igboho’s claims, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage him if he indeed possessed information that could assist ongoing investigations. “Since Sunday Igboho claims to know those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, I think that the State Security Service and other security agencies need to invite him to release those names to them. Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers,” he said. Ibe also broadened the conversation to the wider insecurity challenges confronting the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on the same day – May 15, 2026.

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Drawing a comparison between the official response to the incidents in Oyo and Borno states, Ibe asked: “By the way, who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026? Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians? When will the Commander-in-Chief and Consoler-in-Chief send a delegation to Mussa as he did in the case of Oriire? When will Borno and other vulnerable states get their own forest guards? Why wait for a tragedy to occur before the Tinubu government takes action to stem insecurity in our country?”

During his meeting with NANS executives led by Akinteye Babatunde, Igboho claimed he had volunteered to help dislodge the abductors but was prevented by the Oyo State Government. According to him, state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if he attempted any independent rescue operation. “Later, they (Oyo government) informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all,” Igboho said. He further alleged that he had organised a security network known as “Iru Ekun,” claiming that while the federal government had given approval, the Oyo State Government opposed its operation. “After I arranged ‘Iru Ekun’ security network, the federal government permitted me, but the state government said no security must take a step behind them,” he stated.

Igboho has been actively pursuing federal approval for his proposed security outfit, code-named “Iru Ekun Security Network,” which he says is designed to strengthen local security operations and protect forests across the South-Western region amid rising security concerns. In a statement on May 25, the activist revealed that all necessary documents and operational procedures required for the registration of the security outfit had already been submitted to the Federal Government. “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network, and are only awaiting Federal Government approval, which we believe will be granted soon,” he said. Igboho expressed readiness to collaborate with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to strengthen efforts against insecurity in the South-West.

The remarks by both Igboho and Ibe come against the backdrop of the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, a development that has renewed fears about the spread of kidnapping and insecurity into communities traditionally considered safer than some of the country’s conflict-prone regions. According to reports, armed men stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils and teachers and plunging families into weeks of anguish. The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. One of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors, deepening public outrage and calls for stronger security measures. The attack has become one of the most significant school abductions in recent years, reviving painful memories of the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings and raising fresh concerns about the safety of schools across the country.

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On the same day as the Oriire attack – Friday, May 15, 2026 – terrorists also struck in Borno State, abducting schoolchildren from the Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area. According to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, 48 people were taken from the Mussa community, including 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents. The United Nations has since demanded the immediate and safe release of all abducted school children and teachers, describing the incidents as threats to education and child protection. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, lamented the abductions, stressing that the school environment is meant for learning purposes and must be kept safe at all costs. “The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has since visited Uba town to console the families of the abducted children, assuring residents that every possible effort was being made to secure the safe return of the victims.

The abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area has sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting condemnation from the Senate, coordinated nationwide protests by teachers, and renewed calls by lawmakers for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture. The protest took place in the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Osun, Lagos, Niger, and several other states. The nationwide reaction came as the Senate resumed plenary after the Sallah recess and observed a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil killed in connection with the attack. In Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area as a moment of national distress requiring unity, not political blame. Addressing protesters led by the NUT, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and National Association of Nigerian Students, Makinde said government efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.

While security agencies have yet to publicly respond to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s call for an investigation, the comments are likely to intensify pressure on authorities to investigate claims of political sponsorship of criminal groups and secure the release of victims still in captivity. Over the past decade, Nigeria has witnessed a series of mass abductions targeting schools, particularly in northern states, prompting repeated calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community policing, and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities. The latest exchange has once again brought national attention to the issue of school safety and the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs across different parts of the country.

 Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers

Goodluck Jonathan Yet to Decide on 2027 Race, Associates Clarify

ABUJA — Political associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have declared that only the former Nigerian leader can authoritatively speak on his political future, pushing back against growing speculation over his possible involvement in the 2027 presidential election.

The clarification comes amid renewed public debate and media reports linking Jonathan to a potential return to electoral politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The latest controversy was triggered by comments from Jude Imagwe, a former presidential aide, who reportedly dismissed speculation about Jonathan’s possible presidential ambition. However, a pro-Jonathan political group, The Goodies Movement, has argued that such comments should not be interpreted as the official position of the former president.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s coordinator, Sam Presto, stressed that only Jonathan or individuals expressly authorised by him can make definitive statements regarding his political plans.

According to Presto, supporters and stakeholders within the wider Jonathan political family have continued to question whether recent remarks attributed to former aides represent personal opinions or officially sanctioned positions.

He maintained that Nigerians should rely solely on verified and authorised communications when assessing the former president’s stance on the 2027 presidency.

“Only statements issued directly by him, through officially designated representatives, or via recognised communication channels should be regarded as definitive expressions of his political position,” Presto stated.

The group also called on journalists and media organisations to exercise caution when reporting statements made by individuals claiming to speak on behalf of prominent political figures.

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According to the statement, any position purportedly reflecting the views of a former Head of State should be supported by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation.

The intervention comes at a time when political calculations and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections are gradually gathering momentum across Nigeria’s political landscape.

In recent months, several groups across different regions of the country have publicly urged Jonathan to consider contesting the next presidential election, citing his leadership experience, democratic credentials and perceived ability to unite the country.

These calls have fuelled intense speculation about whether the former president may seek a return to active politics. The debate gained further traction following reports that a faction within the opposition political space had considered endorsing Jonathan for the presidency in 2027.

Despite the growing discussions, Jonathan has remained publicly silent on the matter and has neither confirmed nor denied any intention to contest.

His associates insist that until the former president personally makes a declaration, all endorsements, denials, confirmations or speculations regarding his political future should be treated as individual opinions rather than official positions.

Presto emphasised that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than assumptions and urged political actors and commentators to avoid attributing positions to Jonathan without his express approval.

With the race toward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election gradually taking shape, political observers believe Jonathan’s eventual decision could significantly influence the calculations of major political parties and power blocs across the country.

For now, however, his camp maintains that only the former president can determine when and how his political future will be communicated to Nigerians.

Goodluck Jonathan Yet to Decide on 2027 Race, Associates Clarify

Certificate of Return Delays: APC Winners Suspect Plot to Favour Akpabio’s Allies

Comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio aimed at reassuring serving senators who lost out in the recently concluded party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections have sparked anxiety among victorious aspirants, who fear that despite winning their party tickets through the primaries, the outcome could be altered in favour of incumbent senators who are colleagues of the Senate President.

The aspirants are worried that, despite winning their party tickets through the primaries, the outcome could be altered in favour of incumbent senators who are colleagues of the Senate President. Those expressing concern are mainly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who fear that Akpabio could use his influence within the party to secure tickets for some of the defeated lawmakers.

Akpabio, while delivering a welcome address following the Senate’s resumption from a three-week recess and Eid-el-Kabir break, told lawmakers who failed to secure their parties’ tickets that the leadership of the National Assembly was still working to address the situation. While congratulating senators who emerged successful across party lines, the Senate President lamented the scale of defeats recorded during the primaries, noting that the losses were more substantial than anticipated.

He said: “I congratulate the political parties, one or two of which emanated from these chambers. They recently concluded their primaries and all internal democratic processes. I felicitate particularly with those who have secured their mandates to represent their parties in the next general election. I know that there will always be victories and disappointments, yet above every individual triumph stands a greater triumph, the triumph of democracy itself. In this Senate, we were promised that we would have very few disappointments. I do know that the Senate Leader and the rest of the leadership are working very hard to address these issues. So, in advance, I say congratulations to all of us across party lines.”

Following his remarks, Akpabio led senators into a closed-door executive session that lasted more than two hours. Sources told news outlets that Akpabio and other principal officers of the Senate also met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Although details of the meeting were not made public, insiders said discussions centred on possible options for some serving senators who lost their primaries.

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Before the Senate proceeded on recess, the leadership had reportedly assured lawmakers of automatic return tickets or consensus arrangements in many states. However, when the primaries were eventually conducted, only Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North-West) and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) secured automatic tickets. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North), the three senators from Borno State, and senators from Lagos State secured their return tickets through consensus arrangements.

Based on the results declared by the party, 60 of the 105 serving senators secured return tickets, while about 40 failed in their bids. Among those who lost are prominent figures including Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), Jibrin Isah (Kogi East), former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Abbas Aminu Iya (Adamawa Central), Kaila Samaila Dahuwa (Bauchi North), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East), William Eteng Jonah (Cross River Central), Neda Imasuen (Edo South), former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), Francis Ezenwa (Imo East), Musa Garba (Kebbi South), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North), Olubiyi Fadeyi Oluwole (Osun Central), Diket Plang (Plateau Central), and Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Rivers West).

Several senators also lost after contesting governorship primaries in their states. They include Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Shehu Buba (Bauchi South), Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi (Nasarawa South), and Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), among others.

Despite the high-profile losses, the APC senatorial primaries also produced significant winners. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma secured the ticket for Imo West, while former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa trounced incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko in Delta North, polling 113,309 votes against Nwoko’s 2,612 votes. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun prevailed in Ogun East after supporters of his main challenger and incumbent, Senator Gbenga Daniel, withdrew over alleged insecurity threats. Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan secured the Yobe ticket, while former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole clinched Edo North through consensus arrangement. In Kogi Central, former Governor Yahaya Bello secured a landslide victory, polling 72,399 votes to defeat his challengers across the five local government areas of the district. Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume clinched the Borno South ticket by consensus, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu secured a landslide victory in Abia North with 65,651 votes.

Meanwhile, some winners of the APC primaries have expressed concern over the delay in the issuance of Certificates of Return, alleging that it may be part of efforts to alter the final list of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. Some victorious aspirants told news outlets that the delay had heightened anxiety, especially following comments suggesting that the party’s national leadership retained the final authority to determine candidates.

A successful aspirant from Kwara State, who requested anonymity, said those who defeated incumbent lawmakers had become increasingly suspicious. “Some of us who defeated incumbent legislators at both the state and national levels are now suspicious of the games being played by the national leadership of the party. We were told that the President is wading in to manage any crisis that might arise after the release of the final results. Since then, we have been worried,” she said.

Another successful aspirant from Gombe State said the Senate President’s comments remained open to different interpretations. “The statement is not clear, so we cannot comment on it yet. We are trying to seek clarification before reacting,” he said.

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Party officials, however, insist that the delay is in line with established procedures. Speaking through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said primary election guidelines provided for the collation of results and resolution of appeals before the formal declaration of winners. Yilwatda had previously stated that no state chapter or electoral committee of the party has the authority to announce winners of the party’s primary elections, insisting that only the National Working Committee (NWC) can ratify and officially declare results from the primaries.

“The guidelines issued for the conduct of the primaries were very clear and unambiguous. Results from the various levels were to be collated appropriately, while the formal declaration of winners would only come after the appeal processes have been concluded,” Tooki said. He added that aggrieved aspirants retained the constitutional right to seek redress through the party’s appeal mechanism.

A reliable party source confirmed that the various appeal committees had submitted their reports and that the reports are still being evaluated. Once that is completed, a final result will be sent to the party’s National Working Committee for action. “The NWC will meet on this any moment from now and once that is done the list will be announced,” the source said.

However, some aspirants argued that the delay has fuelled fears that the outcome of the primaries could still be altered administratively. They also pointed out that while many of them were yet to receive their certificates, President Bola Tinubu has already been presented with his Certificate of Return by the party following his victory at the APC presidential primary. They argued that the prompt issuance of the President’s certificate contrasts sharply with the treatment being meted out to other victorious aspirants across the country. “The President has already received his Certificate of Return, so why are the others being delayed? The party should not create the impression that some candidates are more valid than others,” one candidate stated.

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Article 19 of the APC constitution states that the list of candidates elected at the party primary election, congresses, and conventions shall be forwarded, after the disposal of appeals, to the National Working Committee of the party for ratification or confirmation as candidates for national or general elections. This provision has become a source of concern for many aspirants who fear that the NWC could overturn primary results in favour of preferred candidates.

The concern is not without precedent. In Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, party leaders have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, the NWC, and INEC over what they described as the wrongful alteration of the outcome of the party’s primary election for Agege Constituency I. According to the petition, Mr. Egunjobi Ganiyu Kola emerged as the winner of the primary election held on 20th May 2026, polling 9,132 votes out of 10,126 votes cast, but was subsequently denied recognition as the party’s candidate after a newspaper report published a different name as the winner.

Public affairs analyst Dr. Seun Ajayi cautioned against overturning the outcome of the primaries. He warned that the party must respect the choice of its members, who selected their candidates through direct primaries. He said anything short of that would negate the principles of internal democracy and cause discord among the aspirants. “What the President can do is ensure that those who lost out, especially the serving senators, are given alternative national assignments if he still needs their services, instead of overturning the choice of the people,” he said.

Already, several lawmakers who lost out in the primary process have left the ruling party or are considering their options. They include Shehu Buba, senator representing Bauchi South, and Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi South. In Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah rejected the outcome of the primary after losing his return ticket, accusing Governor Ahmed Ododo’s camp of hijacking materials and frustrating his supporters. “The battle line has been drawn,” he declared, vowing to challenge Ododo in the governorship race.

Akpabio, however, framed the developments as part of the democratic process, saying while some aspirants emerged victorious and others suffered setbacks, democracy remained the ultimate winner. His remark about not being “lured into another political party” also underscored growing concerns about potential defections following contentious primary contests across the country.

At the time of filing this report, no official clarification had been issued by Akpabio or the Senate leadership regarding the specific nature of the efforts being made to assist defeated senators, leaving APC primary winners across the country in a state of uncertainty as they await the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Certificate of Return Delays: APC Winners Suspect Plot to Favour Akpabio’s Allies.