Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu can’t be reelected in 2027.

El-Rufai said nobody would vote for Tinubu in 2027, considering the current economic and political situation in Nigeria.

He spoke in an interview on the Social Democratic Party, SDP, national updates, and the video was posted by an online user, @chude.

According to El-Rufai: “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected. I don’t see a pathway for him, no matter how disorganised the opposition is. Who will vote for him? But that’s my own opinion.”

This comes as the All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership and that of the National Assembly had passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had expressed confidence that Tinubu would be reelected because he is the sole candidate of the party.

In a similar vein, the APC governors had endorsed Tinubu as its presidential candidate during the party’s summit in Abuja.

Popular entertainer, Speed Darlington, is currently facing investigation over a video he posted on Instagram where he appeared to confess to defiling a 15-year-old girl.

Speed Darlington, in Igbo language, narrated the incident which took place at an unnamed hotel.

He claimed that the girl was left bleeding after the sexual encounter and he had to pay hotel staff N2,000 to have the sheets changed.

His revelations led to an uproar on social media, which many people demanding that relevant authorities arrest and detain Speed Darlington.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, has now reacted to the viral video clip.

“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

“While the individual in question did not specify the location of the incident during the Instagram Live session, we must clarify that the DSVA’s jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State.

“In view of the above, and in line with our commitment to justice, we have escalated the situation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons,” the Lagos DSVA wrote on X.

Veteran South Korean actor, Choi Jung-woo, known for his roles in movies such as “City Hunter” and “Legend of the Blue Sea” died Tuesday at the age of 68.

According to The Korea Times, Choi died in the early hours of the morning as revealed by his agency.

The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, though it was reported that he had been battling a chronic illness.

Born in 1957, Choi made his debut in 1975 with the play “The Life of an Actor” and later worked as a voice actor for Tongyang Broadcasting Company beginning in 1980. 

While he built much of his career on the stage, he reportedly transitioned into film and television in the 2000s, appearing in dozens of acclaimed works.

His film credits include Two Cops, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, The Chaser, The Witch, Smugglers, The Moon and the Project Silence.

He also appeared in popular dramas such as ‘The Painter of the Wind,’ ‘Prosecutor Princess,’ ‘Tree with Deep Roots,’ ‘My Daughter Seo-young,’ ‘A Brilliant Legacy,’ ‘Doctor Stranger,’ ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea,’ ‘Five Children,’ ‘Star Daughter-in-law,’ ‘Even if You Fall for Me,’ and ‘The Witch.’

Earlier this year, he played Park Joon-ki in ‘The Tale of Lady Ok,’ a character suspicious of the protagonist Koo Deok-i (played by Lim Ji-yeon).

Choi’s wake is reportedly being held at the funeral hall of Woori Hospital in Gimpo. The funeral will take place on Thursday, with the burial to follow at Suwon Yeonhwa Cemetery.

Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 enjoys strong backing from both northern and southern Nigeria, saying the opposition parties are not a threat to Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, said the ruling All Progressives Congress’ growing coalition across regions signals deep-rooted confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” Kalu said.

He pointed out that the South-East APC caucus, comprising governors and federal lawmakers, was among the first to endorse Tinubu for a second term—well before recent waves of public endorsements.

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“That meeting, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the Ebonyi State Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was where the national endorsement truly started,” Kalu noted, proudly pointing to his attire adorned with Tinubu’s campaign insignia.

Kalu dismissed concerns that the growing support is a reaction to the newly announced opposition alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

“We are not losing sleep. The APC has no reason to be afraid.

We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

He described the APC as focused on governance and development, not political distractions. According to him, endorsements for Tinubu reflect appreciation for bold reforms and leadership—not fear of political rivals.

“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the President’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” Kalu said.

Defending Tinubu’s economic reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates—Kalu acknowledged the challenges they pose but stressed their long-term benefits.

“As a businessman, I know these are tough but necessary choices. This is the first President to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” he said.

On criticisms from the opposition, the former Senate Chief Whip said dissent is expected in a democracy but should not be mistaken for APC’s weakness.

“The opposition has every right to challenge us. But ours is to deliver results, and we are doing just that. In time, Nigerians will come to appreciate the tough choices this administration has made,” he said.

Kalu also addressed Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, describing it as a strategic diplomatic move following a personal invitation from Pope Francis.

“It would have been disrespectful to ignore such an invitation. As a Catholic myself, I know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, including Nigerians, value that gesture. In 2027, many will remember it,” he added.

Despite economic headwinds, Kalu expressed optimism that Tinubu’s reforms 

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has raised alarm over an alarming surge in suspicious financial transactions from Nigeria to Dubai and Hong Kong—two jurisdictions it describes as emerging global hotspots for illicit financial flows.

In a report released in May 2025 and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, the NFIU revealed that it received 401 Suspicious Transaction Reports linked to both regions between January 2021 and September 2024, with the total value of the flagged transactions exceeding N48bn.

While only 185 of the STRs were connected to Dubai, they accounted for the bulk of the total value—N29.6bn.

The remaining 216 STRs were traced to Hong Kong, valued at N18.6bn.

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“The NFIU finds it pertinent to issue this advisory to relevant stakeholders to employ Enhanced Due Diligence in the detection, deterrence, and prevention of abuse of the financial system through these hotspots,” the report stated. “Reporting suspicious transactions and activities flowing from these jurisdictions is critical to protecting the Nigerian financial system and contributing to the global fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.”

The report noted a disturbing trend: a steady and significant rise in suspicious financial activity to both destinations.

In 2021, only two STRs—valued at N42m—were reported. By 2024, that number had soared to 202 STRs with a combined value of N32bn.

The NFIU attributed this trend to a mix of complex regulatory loopholes, the proliferation of shell companies, offshore accounts, and weak enforcement mechanisms in both Dubai and Hong Kong.

These conditions, the agency said, have made both regions attractive to criminal networks.

“Dubai, a major financial and commercial centre in the Middle East, has become a focal point in the global fight against money laundering. Its strategic location, burgeoning real estate market, and business-friendly environment make it appealing to both legitimate investors and criminal actors,” the report noted.

It also referenced high-profile cases such as the 2020 Dubai Leaks scandal, which exposed how individuals facing international sanctions, alleged criminals, and politically exposed persons owned significant real estate assets in the city.

On Hong Kong, the report stated: “Hong Kong, a major financial hub in Asia, is similarly challenged by money laundering activities. Its role as an international finance centre and gateway to mainland China makes it a critical node in global financial flows.

 “The city has witnessed a number of high-profile money laundering cases involving major international banks. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing financial openness with effective regulatory oversight.”

In light of these findings, the NFIU has urged Nigerian financial institutions and regulators to adopt Enhanced Due Diligence procedures, strengthen transaction monitoring frameworks, and prioritise timely reporting of suspicious transactions linked to Dubai and Hong Kong.

“This advisory is a call to arms for Nigerian financial stakeholders,” the report concluded. “Failure to act decisively could expose the country to deeper financial crime risks and serious international reputational damage.”

The fact-finding committee of the Peoples Democratic Party National Caucus, led by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, informed the 99th National Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday that the Independent National Electoral Commission had recognised Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.

On Monday, the NEC established a three-member committee led by Kefas, with Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, as members, to verify whether INEC recognised Anyanwu, a loyalist of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as the party’s scribe.

Multiple sources, including a NEC member, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to speak to the media, revealed that the Kefas panel informed the 99th NEC on Tuesday in Abuja that INEC had affirmed Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary in line with a Supreme Court judgment.

To properly remove him from office based on the decision of the PDP governors, and in adherence to the 21-day notice requirement, the party plans to reconvene by June 30.

The development may further exacerbate the crisis in the party and widen the schism between the party and the FCT minister, who threatened to pull out of the agreements he had earlier reached with the party leadership to resolve the crisis plaguing the opposition party.

Wike accused the party leadership of reneging on the agreements.

In a statement on Sunday, the ex-Rivers governor announced his withdrawal from the reconciliation efforts, blaming Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Peter Mbah of Enugu for the party crisis.

On the heels of Wike’s statement, the reconciliation panel led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki held an emergency meeting with key stakeholders on Sunday night.

The outcome of the meeting has yet to be ascertained.

The PDP has been dealing with internal political turmoil before and after the 2023 general elections.

Issues such as the crisis in Rivers State, disagreements over the South South and South East Zonal Congress, the dispute surrounding the national secretary position, and, more recently, the North Central Zonal Congress, have further polarised the party.

Tensions have risen among party leaders, including Wike, and Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and others, who are displeased with decisions taken by the National Working Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum.

These decisions, largely influenced by Governors Makinde, Mbah, and Mohammed, are perceived as attempts to whittle Wike’s political influence.

Despite efforts by the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the Governors’ Forum to resolve these conflicts, tensions have worsened and spread across various states and geopolitical zones.

The persistent crisis caused the NEC meeting to be postponed six times, delaying important decisions about the party’s future. As a result, several party members, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the PDP to the ruling APC.

Following an extensive National Caucus meeting held at the Bauchi Governors Lodge in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday, the 99th NEC meeting was called to order at noon at the party annexe office, Legacy House, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

A reliable source informed our correspondent that the 99th NEC meeting turned chaotic when a South-East Zonal member objected to the National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa, claiming he is no longer a member of the party.

The sources stated, “The findings of the Kefas Committee, earlier set up by the National Caucus, were presented to the NEC. The findings revealed that INEC recognises Anyanwu because he has not been officially removed.

“INEC told them that Anyanwu has not been removed and that the Commission must be given at least 21 days’ notice. It also has to witness the removal process.

‘’Therefore, the NEC decided to receive the South-East petition and scheduled it for further deliberation at another meeting slated for June 30 to perfect the removal process.

“Also, while the meeting was ongoing, Anyanwu’s running mate during the last Imo State governorship election, Jones Onyereri, moved a motion that the South-East Zonal National Chairman, Ali Odefa, should not be recognised. He argued that Odefa had been suspended and removed by a court ruling.

“When the situation began to get rowdy, Onyereri was asked to submit a formal petition on the matter at the next NEC meeting.”

According to the Kefas committee’s report, exclusively obtained by our correspondent, the Enugu governor, who met with an INEC representative, disclosed that no replacement could be made until Anyanwu was removed in line with the party’s Constitution.

The report read in part, “H.E Peter Mba met with INEC contact and reported to the committee the position/status of the National Secretary thus: That the commission still recognised Sen. Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment. 

“That there’s no vacancy to be replaced until Anyanwu is removed in accordance with the Constitution of the party. That notice of 21 days should be given to the commission for any such meeting to remove and or replace an official of the Party

“That the NEC meeting should be in compliance with the provisions of the party’s Constitution and requirements in the Electoral Act in the case of removal/appointment of an official of the Party.

“The committee resolved to recommend to the forum that the procedure and the processes be followed to complete the acceptance of the recommendation of the South East caucus in order to lay to rest the agitation and put the Party back on track in South East.

“Also, the party in NEC should acknowledge the request/ recommendation of the South-East caucus to be considered at the next meeting, amongst other things.”

While presenting the communiqué of the 99th NEC meeting on Tuesday, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, confirmed that the National Executive Committee had received the resolution from the South-East Zonal Executive concerning the position of the national secretary.

Damagum stated that the PDP NEC resolved to deliberate on the South-East Zonal Executive’s resolution at its next meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30.

The communique read in part, “On the part of the PDP, NEC restates our party’s belief in Democracy, the Rule of Law and the Supremacy of the will of the people as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation in multi-party politics and governance.

“The successful convening of the 99th NEC meeting clearly communicates our party’s unity and focus despite the challenges.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution, NEC received and ratified the composition of the Committee on the National Convention and approved the conduct of the National Convention on Thursday, 28th to Saturday, 30th August 2025.

“NEC also received and ratified the composition of the Committee on the Zoning of National Offices ahead of the National Convention.

“The members of the Zoning Committee are Gov. Douye Diri -Chairman, Gov. Dauda Lawal -Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang -Secretary. The members of the National Convention Committee are Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri- Chairman, Gov. Ademola Adeleke- Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah – Secretary.

“NEC also received the resolution of the South-East Zonal Executive with regard to the issue of the National Secretary of our Party. NEC resolved to consider the Resolution of the South East Zonal Executive at the next NEC meeting scheduled to hold on Monday, 30th June, 2025.”

In his remarks, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, claimed that the party’s leaders are facing intimidation from the Federal Government.

He stated, “As governors, we have gone through a lot. There are so many booby traps, innuendos, political movements that have been done. Today, we have been bombarded by the issue of coalition, defection—a gale of defection that is even affecting some of our members.

“Our members are standing strong and resolute. There is no intimidation that we are not going through. There is no caressing or cajoling that members and elected governors are not going through, if you ask any one of them. But certainly, we are resolute. We will not abandon the mandate.”

Before the start of the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, stated that many of the internal issues and challenges confronting the party are self-inflicted.

He nevertheless praised the party for its enduring commitment to its ideals, the resilience of its structures, and its shared vision for a united, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria—qualities that have led millions of Nigerians to view the PDP as the most credible platform for national transformation.

These notwithstanding, the former Senate President said there is still much work to do as divisions, mistrusts, and lingering grievances within the ranks have at times hampered progress and blurred the vision of members.

He said, “As the party of the people, we must recommit to healing these wounds and restoring faith among our members. As chairman of the Board of Trustees, the conscience of the party, I call on all of us leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, not just as a political tactic, but as a moral imperative. We must open our hearts to forgive, to dialogue, and to debate.

“No ambition, no grievance, and no misunderstanding should ever be allowed to override the collective interests of our party and the hopes of the Nigerian people who are yearning for our return to national leadership.

“Let us initiate a genuine and structural reconciliation process led by respected elders that reaches down to the grassroots and extends a hand of peace to all aggrieved members, both old and new.

“Our doors must remain wide open to fresh ideas, open to new members, open to all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and good governance.

“Let this 99th meeting be remembered as a turning point, a moment where we chose unity over division, hope over despair, and service over self-interest. Let us go back to the grassroots with a renewed spirit, a clear purpose, and a firm resolve to reclaim our place as the party that not only knows Nigeria but truly loves Nigeria.”

Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

According to the announcement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday by Haramain Sharifain, Dhul Hijjah 1446 will commence on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The post highlighted key dates for the upcoming Islamic observances:

“First day of Dhul Hijjah – Wednesday, 28th May 2025”

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“The Day of Arafah – Thursday, 5th June 2025”

“Day of Eid Al Adha – Friday, 6th June 2025”

The Day of Arafah, falling on June 5, holds immense spiritual significance as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for the climax of Hajj.

This is followed by Eid-el-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, on June 6.

Celebrated by Muslims globally, Eid-el-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Haramain Sharifain also posted a supplication often recited by pilgrims entering a state of ihram: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wannimata, Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”

(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, and You have no partner.”)

Last year, Saudi Arabia declared June 16, 2024 as Sallah day.

This announcement allows Muslims worldwide to align their preparations for this sacred period, which includes Hajj, communal prayers, acts of charity, and the symbolic sacrifice of livestock.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government has cleared over 200,000 unprocessed passport applications since he assumed office.

Tunji-Ojo also revealed that ₦28 billion in old debts have been paid off, all without extra funding from the government.

He made these announcements during the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series held in Lagos on Monday. He spoke on the topic, “Dare to Dream, Dare to Innovate,” and called for bold leadership, system reform, and the smart use of technology.

“Leadership is not about reacting to problems, it is about foreseeing and solving them before they occur. And for that, you must always ask: What is your purpose? How will you execute it? And when is the right time to act?” he said.

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He explained how his ministry used innovation, technology, and planning to clear passport backlogs and debts. New systems like e-visa platforms, contactless passport renewals for Nigerians abroad, and advanced passenger tracking have been launched.

Speaking about Nigeria’s prisons, Tunji-Ojo said the correctional system is in bad shape.

He pointed out that more than 4,000 inmates are behind bars simply because they can’t pay fines as low as ₦50,000.

“This is not a legal crisis, it is a moral one. A society that punishes poverty more harshly than crime has lost its moral compass,” he said.

He added that the ministry is working with private donors to help release many of these non-violent prisoners, noting that it’s also pushing for reforms that focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment. 

These include digital case tracking, vocational training in prisons, and partnerships to improve prison conditions.

“A correctional facility must correct, not condemn. Justice without dignity is injustice in disguise,” he said.

Access Holdings Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, praised Tunji-Ojo’s leadership.

“Innovation is not about big budgets, it is about big thinking,” he said, adding that the Minister’s work shows what real public service should look like.

The event brought together business leaders, government officials, and experts from across the country.

It was part of Access Bank’s effort to spark national change through conversations about leadership and service.

In his final words, Tunji-Ojo urged everyone to live with purpose and pursue excellence.

“Let Access Bank not just be a financial institution, let it be a philosophy. Let Nigeria not just be a country of potential, let it be a nation of performance. It is time to refine our genius, not just export it,” he said

One of the 14 occupants trapped in the collapsed two-storey building along Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ota-Ona, in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State has been confirmed dead.

The building, which caved in on Tuesday, initially left 14 people trapped. As of the time of filing this report, 10 had been rescued, while three others remain unaccounted for.

In an update to PUNCH Metro, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that one of the four initially unaccounted-for occupants had been recovered dead from the rubble.

While the cause of the collapse remains unclear, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that 14 people were inside the building before it collapsed.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, through the agency’s spokesperson, Amodu Shakiru, disclosed that rescue efforts were ongoing.

The statement read, “It’s a rescue involving the collapse of an uncompleted two-storey building located at the back of a bungalow, consisting of two rooms and a parlour, all built on a land space of about 648 square. 

It added, “A total number of 14 people were in the building. Ten adult males, aged between 28 and 35, were rescued and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. As of this report, rescue and search operations are still ongoing for the remaining persons.”

The statement also listed the agencies involved in the rescue mission. These include a team of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Ikorodu Command, led by SNCO Ogidiolu Dare; Lagos State Building Control Agency, Ikorodu Central; Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, from Alausa, led by Seriki; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ikorodu Division, led by ASC I Abimbola Aderibigbe; Nigeria Police Force, Ikorodu Divisional Headquarters, led by DPO Akiola Clement and the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ikorodu Unit Command, led by ARC A. Adetona.

Earlier, PUNCH Metro reported that a Facebook user, Rasheed Fatuga, posted about the incident, stating that the building was located directly opposite the Mobil Filling Station (formerly Bugon Filling Station) in the Ota-Ona area.

This latest incident comes just a month after a similar tragedy in April, when a three-storey building collapsed in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos, claiming five lives.

The structure, which housed a popular restaurant, was reportedly undergoing construction at the time it came crashing down in the early hours of the morning, trapping several occupants and passersby

A 16-year-old Senior Secondary School two student of Ilimi School, Ramlat Ahmed, has been sworn in on Monday  as the Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament.

Also sworn in was  14-year-old Christopher Ngale, who emerged as Deputy Speaker. 

They were sworn in along  10 other principal officers who will steer the affairs of the seventh assembly of the Children’s Parliament in the state.

Government officials, legislative officers, and child rights advocates were at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to witness the inauguration.

Speaking at the event,  Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, Aminu Aliyu, counselled the youngsters to conduct themselves properly.

He said, “You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” he said. 

Also speaking at the event was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Modi Shelpidi. said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote child welfare.

Shelpidi said, “Since 2022, the state has not had a functioning Children’s Parliament. This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women.”

On her own part,  the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, commended the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for committing to the welfare of children in the state.

“The Governor’s assent to the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is a clear demonstration of his passion and fatherly concern for children in the state,” she said