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Bayelsa Now, Yenagoa (2026)

08/06/2026

APC releases list of cleared senatorial candidates as primaries continue

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the names of senatorial candidates who have emerged from completed primaries across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, the list comprises candidates whose nominations have been concluded and ratified, while primaries in some senatorial districts remain pending, inconclusive or yet to be conducted.

In the South-East, former Senate President Orji Uzor Kalu secured the APC ticket for Abia North. Other candidates include Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr (Abia South) and Emeka Atuma (Abia Central). In Anambra State, Nelson Onubuogu, Kene Chiedu Ngozi Benedicta and Chibuogu Oraelusi emerged for Anambra North, Central and South respectively.

The APC also cleared Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) and Ikeje Asogwa (Enugu North) in Enugu State, while Imo State produced Alex Mbata (Imo East), Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo West) and Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North).

In the North-East, Governor Umaru Fintiri emerged for Adamawa North, while Felix Tangwami clinched the ticket for Adamawa South. Bauchi State produced Yakubu Abdullahi (Bauchi South) and Ibrahim Baba (Bauchi North). In Borno State, APC candidates are Kaka Shehu (Borno Central), Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Tahir Monguno (Borno North).

Governor Inuwa Yahaya will contest for Gombe North, alongside Mohammed Ahmed (Gombe Central) and Jerry Damara (Gombe South). Taraba State produced Manu Haruna (Taraba Central) and David Jimkuta (Taraba South).

In the North-West, APC candidates include Babangida Hussain (Jigawa North-West), Ahmed Malam Madori (Jigawa North-East) and Sani Garba (Jigawa South-West). Kaduna State’s list features former Governor Ramalan Yero (Kaduna North), Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South).

Other notable candidates are Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (Kano North), former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano Central), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto Central) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West).

In the South-South, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emerged for Akwa Ibom North-West, while Aniekan Bassey and Ekong Sampson secured tickets for Akwa Ibom North-East and South respectively.

Bayelsa APC nominated Fidelis Agbiki (Bayelsa West), Friday Kombowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) and Israel Sunny-Goli (Bayelsa East). Cross River candidates include Jarigbe Jarigbe (North), Oden Ewa (Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (South).

In Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone retained the ticket for Delta Central, while former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas emerged for Delta North and Delta South respectively. Rivers State candidates are Felix Obuah (West), Allwell Onyesoh (East) and Barry Mwara (South-East).

In the South-West, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emerged for Ekiti Central, while Lagos APC picked Wasiu Eshinlokun (Central), Idiat Adebule (West) and Tokunbo Abiru (East).

Governor Dapo Abiodun secured the Ogun East ticket, with Jimoh Ojugbele and Shuaib Salisu emerging for Ogun West and Ogun Central respectively. Ondo APC nominated Gbenga Elegbeleye (North), Taiwo Fasoranti (Central) and Isaacs Kekemeke (South), while Osun candidates are Francis Fadahunsi (East), Adekunle Adeogoke (Central) and Akintunde Oyebiyi (West).

In the North-Central zone, APC candidates include Dave Padopads-Awunah (Benue North-West), Gabriel Suswam (Benue North-East) and Francis Agbo (Benue South).

Former Governor Yahaya Bello emerged for Kogi Central, while Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq secured the Kwara Central ticket. Governor Abdullahi Sule emerged for Nasarawa North, while Niger State candidates include Idris Kutigi, Sani Musa and Sani Bello.

Plateau APC nominated David Barji (Central), former Governor Simon Lalong (South) and Simon Mwadkwon (North). In Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole emerged for Edo North, alongside Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) and Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie (Edo South).

For the Federal Capital Territory, the party picked former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda as its senatorial candidate.

The APC noted that senatorial districts not captured in the current release are either awaiting primaries or have unresolved issues requiring further consultations. The party attributed the delays to internal disputes, zoning arrangements, logistical challenges and postponements in some states.

Party officials said the list would be updated as outstanding primaries are concluded and ratified, ahead of the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the timetable for the

08/06/2026

Photo Story: Dele Momodu Rules Out Peter Obi, Says 2027 Race Is Between Tinubu And Atiku

07/06/2026

Bayelsa PDP Flagbearer Akinaka Courts Elders’ Backing, Unveils Trust Fund for Senatorial District

Mr Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, over the weekend, embarked on a strategic consultation with some stakeholders and elders in the district, emphasising service, education, and the restoration of trust in leadership.

Akinaka’s consultative visit took him to prominent elders in the district, such as Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF President, Chief Abel Ebifebowei, aka Osuwo, amongst others. He emphasised the lack of effective representation and the urgent need for purposeful leadership.

He described the current situation in Bayelsa Central as one where the people’s voices have not been heard, and tangible impacts from representation remain absent.

Akinaka, who rose from humble village beginnings through community support, positioned himself as an embodiment of his people’s aspirations. He recounted personal interventions in education, health, and community welfare, including paying teachers’ salaries in his village for years and providing scholarships.

Akinaka also stressed the core responsibility of lawmaking, noting that his legislative contributions would be driven by intimate knowledge of the challenges facing his people in the District, the oil-bearing Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.

“My legislative contributions will stem from my knowledge of the needs of my constituency, the underserved people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large. I am conscious of introducing bills that will, among other things, strengthen institutions in the Niger Delta region and address the very troubling situations bedeviling our people,” he said.

According to him, central to his vision is the establishment of a trust structured as a limited liability company to manage constituency projects.

“The trust would be in the form of a limited liability company that will have elders like you sitting on the board… Richard Akinaka will not bring a company anywhere to do such jobs. That trust that we have our people representing us will do the jobs and will ensure that the jobs are done,” he explained. “Whatever profit that comes out of those things will form a common purse and will highlight areas of immediate need and concern… especially education.”

He outlined practical economic empowerment initiatives, including support for fishing communities through modern tools, boat building, fish drying and packaging facilities, and collaboration with federal agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture and NDDC to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness.

Akinaka emphasised his track record of selfless service, noting he has committed a significant portion of his income to community development without publicising it.

“Anywhere I find myself, I just want to add value… there is a percentage of my income that I’ve assigned to all these things,” he said.

Receiving Akinaka and his team at his residence in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), threw his weight behind Akinaka, describing him as a focused, results-driven young leader with a proven commitment to human development and community impact.

In a heartfelt endorsement, Ambassador Igali praised Akinaka’s boldness and track record as an astute businessman operating successfully in the marine, oil and gas sector. He noted that Akinaka has consistently demonstrated leadership through his business ventures that employ technical personnel while championing education, vocational training, and skills development for youths and young women in the region.

“From what I’ve known you, you have been focused on human development, focused on results, focused on impact on community. Nobody can take that from you,” Igali said.

The PANDEF Chairman expressed strong confidence in Akinaka’s capacity to represent his people effectively in the Senate, urging him to speak up boldly for the Niger Delta region, which he described as contributing immensely to the nation’s wealth yet plagued by underdevelopment and poverty. He advised the aspirant to play by the rules, focus on his programs — particularly education and technical empowerment — and avoid character assassination.

Ambassador Igali drew parallels with past young senators like David Brigidi, who made significant impacts at a similar age, and assured Akinaka of his belief in him as a person.

The Ijaw leader offered prayers for a successful outcome for Akinaka and his team, wishing him well irrespective of party affiliation and pledging support when the time comes.

Earlier, Akinaka dedicated an operational and strategic office located along Isaac Boro Expressway, Yenagoa, to God, which will collaborate with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the electioneering campaign when it kicks off.

He concluded by soliciting the blessings and support of elders to enable him to scale up his efforts through institutional platforms for the benefit of the senatorial district.

07/06/2026

Socio-political groups endorses Hon. Fred Agbedi for Minority leader of House of Representatives
.says he is most ranking to replace Hon. Kingsley Chinda

Socio-Political groups, the Campaign and Advocacy for Good Governance and Ethics, CAGE and Proudly Bayelsa Initiative, PBI, have endorsed the candidature of Hon. Agbedi Yeitiemone Frederick for the position of Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

While CAGE described Agbedi as a seasoned lawmaker with extensive knowledge of parliamentary procedures, legislative conventions and opposition leadership.

The Youths for Good Governance and Orientation, Bayelsa State, YOGGO BAYELSA and Proudly Bayelsa Initiative, PBI, described Hon. Agbedi as one of the most senior-ranking members of the House, with extensive legislative experience and institutional knowledge.

The Campaign and Advocacy for Good Governance and Ethics, CAGE , in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Amiekumor Junior, stated that the vacancy created by the resignation of Hon. Kingsley Chinda presents an opportunity for the opposition caucus to choose experienced leadership.

CAGE described Agbedi as a seasoned lawmaker with extensive knowledge of parliamentary procedures, legislative conventions and opposition leadership.

The group noted that his legislative experience, academic qualifications and reputation for integrity place him in a strong position to unite the opposition caucus and strengthen democratic oversight.

According to the organisation, Agbedi's emergence as Minority Leader would enhance the opposition's ability to effectively scrutinise government policies and perform its constitutional responsibilities.

CAGE therefore urged members of the opposition caucus to support Agbedi's bid for the position, describing him as the right choice for Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

Similarly , the Proudly Bayelsa Initiative, PBI, has thrown its weight behind the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Agbedi Yeitiemone Frederick, for the position of Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Williams Berezi, the group said Hon. Agbedi possesses the parliamentary experience, intellectual capacity, and leadership qualities required to lead the opposition caucus effectively following the vacancy in the office of Minority Leader.

The group noted that Agbedi's academic credentials, including a Doctor of Philosophy degree, place him in a strong position to scrutinize government policies, appropriation bills, and legislative proposals while offering constructive alternatives in the national interest.

In this vein, the Youths for Good Governance and Orientation, Bayelsa State, YOGGO BAYELSA, have supported Hon. Agbedi Yeitiemone Frederick, for the position of Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued by its President and Founder, Comrade Sokpara Miriki and signed by Comrade Kurotietimi Okitah, Director, Youths Mobilisation, the group described Hon. Agbedi as one of the most senior-ranking members of the House, with extensive legislative experience and institutional knowledge.

The organization noted that the office of Minority Leader requires deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, legislative strategy, and governance, qualities it said Hon. Agbedi has demonstrated through years of service.

YOGGO BAYELSA also highlighted his academic credentials, including a Doctor of Philosophy degree, saying his scholarly background equips him with the capacity to critically assess policies and propose credible alternatives and therefore recommended his emergence as Minority Leader, saying it would strengthen the opposition caucus and enhance its constitutional responsibility of providing effective oversight and accountability.

07/06/2026

DSS Arrests Three Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers In Borno

Security operatives in Borno State have arrested three suspected logistics suppliers linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, during a coordinated operation around Mainok village in Kaga Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Fandi Adam Konto, Aji Bura Modu and Tijjain Abubakar Aisami, were reportedly intercepted while attempting to transport medications and other consumable items to terrorist enclaves within the area.

The operation was carried out by the Department of State Services, Borno Command in collaboration with Forest Guard operatives following credible intelligence.

DHQ, US Forces Kill 175 ISIS Fighters in Joint Airstrikes
Authorities say the suspects were arrested in the early hours of the operation, while the recovered items have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

Security agencies say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorists’ supply networks and strengthen counter-insurgency operations across the North East.

07/06/2026

Update on the Oyo kidnapped school children

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested six suspects and local informants who were tracked via telephone conversations with the bandits responsible for the Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area school abductions.

However, official security reports indicate that none of the main b@ndits inside the forest have been arrested yet, as they continue to evade direct tracking using advanced call-routing technology.

The specific details regarding the identified accomplices, the tracked phone calls, and the financial institutions involved are outlined below.

Arrested Informants and Couriers
According to official statements from the Oyo State Police Command, the tracked individuals were not the core bandits themselves, but rather local logistics providers, couriers, and informants: Babangida Buhari Awalu & Kabiru Aliyu:
Both worked as commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders).

They acted as couriers for the kidnap syndicate and were apprehended in the Ojoo Area of Ibadan while attempting to retrieve "exchange money" (ransom) for the bandits.

Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga, & Rafiu Abdulmajeed: Arrested during follow-up investigations. They are from the Gbugbu area of Kwara State and Ago-Are in Oyo State.

Adeleye Ayomide: A student from a nearby university who was tracked down by military personnel. He was apprehended after being caught with a victim's phone. The email demands sent to the parents were traced directly to his device.

Note: Official security agencies have not released specific residential addresses for these suspects beyond their general local government origins and arrest locations due to ongoing prosecution and state security protocols.

The Phone Tracking and SIM Technology Gap
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer noted that investigators intercepted phone calls made during and after the school raid. The conversations exposed how local informants were giving the bandits step-by-step direction

06/06/2026

Breaking News: Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons After Deadly Gun Duel With Suspected Kidnappers

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive during a late-night rescue operation carried out around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two fi****ms were recovered from the gang.

The victims, including the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while on their way to drop the children at school.

Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.

Security operatives are currently combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

06/06/2026

Ex-Okpoama youth president, Okenema, dumps NDC, joins APC with supporters

Hon. Nadu Okenema, a House of Assembly aspirant for Brass Constituency II under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Okenema was warmly received on Friday by APC stakeholders in Okpoama (Ward 4) in Brass Local Government Area, alongside key supporters from his political base.

Okenema, who is a former Youth President of Okpoama Kingdom Youth Movement (OKYM), described his new party (APC) as “more democratic, all-inclusive and committed to transforming Bayelsa through the leadership of Governor Douye Diri”.

He said he believes in a party that gives every member a voice, noting that “APC in Bayelsa is showing that inclusiveness and progress can go hand in hand.”

The youth leader pledged to mobilize support in his domain to ensure victory for all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Our correspondent reports that a group of APC stakeholders in Ward 4 welcomed the new members, saying the addition of Okenema and his supporters would strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the polls.

He defected with Mr. Olali Alex, former NDC Brass Ward 4 Chairman, several ward executives, and other party faithful.

06/06/2026

NDDC Boss Advocates Investment in Education for Secure Future

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has stressed the need for increased investment in education as a key element in reorienting the children and laying the groundwork for a better future for Niger Deltans and Nigerians.

Ogbuku spoke during the plenary session of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Conference Hall, Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The 2026 Law Week, with the theme “Securing the Future,” was attended by the renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist, Professor Patrick Lumumba, who was the keynote speaker; the former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, among others.

The plenary session, which focused on the topic “National Assets Protection: Nigeria’s Shared Responsibility,” featured discussions with key stakeholders, including security agencies, regulatory bodies and development agencies.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer observed that discussions on strategies for securing the future must take cognisance of the past and what has gone wrong in our history. “In securing the future, we must also think of the past, because we have missed our way and there is a need to rediscover our purpose,” he said.

Ogbuku lamented that corruption had eaten deep into the fabric of our society, noting that most corrupt tendencies were negative practices copied from online media.

He stated; “We must invest in the right education for our children. Western culture has polluted our society, and only the right education can save our country.”

The Chairman of the plenary session, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, shared Ogbuku's views on the need to reform the education system to adequately prepare young Nigerians for the future, noting that “we have to prepare our children for the bright lights of the future.”

In his keynote address, Professor Patrick Lumumba stressed the need for unity among African countries to pave the way for true independence and prepare the continent for the future.

He noted: “We have a duty to secure our future, but we must start by being united. It is only in unity that we can protect our assets.”

“To talk about our future, we must find out who we are and decolonise our minds because Africans were wired to fail by the colonial masters.”

Professor Lumumba’s keynote address was entitled: “Sustainable National Assets Protection in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways.”

In his remarks. The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, called on the Nigerian Bar Association to intensify efforts to enforce discipline and best practices among its members.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawie, described the keynote speaker, Professor Lumumba as a powerful voice for good governance, accountability, Pan-African development and principled leadership in Africa.

He said: “The theme of the Law Week,' Securing the Future, is both timely and profound. It speaks to the collective responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens to build a society founded on justice, equity, accountability, and sustainable development.

Also speaking, the NBA Branch Chairman, Mr Clement Kekemeke, challenged legal practitioners to go beyond routine practice and actively contribute to societal development.

05/06/2026

FCT Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers Featured in Viral Weapons Video

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who were seen openly displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and walkie-talkies in a viral video circulating on social media.

The suspects, identified as Umar Babangida (25), Adamu Yeti (22), and Yahaya Idris (24), are all residents of Rijana, Kaduna State.

According to the FCT Police Command, the arrest followed a swift intelligence-led operation launched after the video surfaced online. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, immediately ordered a forensic analysis of the footage to determine its origin and directed operatives to track down those involved.

Police said digital forensic investigations and actionable intelligence subsequently led officers to the suspects' hideout in Runji Village, Zuba, within the Federal Capital Territory.

Acting on the intelligence, operatives carried out a coordinated raid on the location at approximately 3:22 a.m. on May 25, resulting in the arrest of all three suspects.

The command noted that the operation underscores the effectiveness of technology-driven policing and the growing use of digital forensics in combating crime and criminal networks.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding residents and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

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