Datti Baba-Ahmed, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has made a bold assertion regarding the upcoming presidential race, claiming that former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, possesses the strength to defeat both President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, provided the electoral process remains free and fair.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Endorsing a “Highly Qualified” Candidate Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed, a former political ally of Peter Obi, praised the newly emerged PRP presidential candidate. He described Duke as one of Nigeria’s most capable political figures, arguing that the public has yet to fully grasp the extent of his leadership credentials and widespread national appeal.

“Don’t Underestimate Him” Baba-Ahmed emphasized that Duke’s political viability should not be dismissed, pointing to the 2023 general election as a cautionary tale. He noted that many observers significantly underestimated Peter Obi’s potential during that cycle and warned that the electorate might be making a similar mistake by overlooking Duke’s surging momentum in the lead-up to the next election.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern directive to Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, to immediately open his defence in the criminal defamation trial brought against him regarding remarks made about President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Courtroom Showdown On Thursday, Justice Mohammed Umar rejected a plea from Sowore’s legal team to adjourn the proceedings until after the court’s upcoming vacation. Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, had attempted to delay the trial, citing his client’s desire to focus on preparations for next year’s presidential election. However, the judge dismissed this request, ruling that the criminal trial must proceed on a day-to-day basis, adhering to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Failed Attempt to Stall The trial, which is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), follows allegations that Sowore labeled President Tinubu a “criminal” in posts shared on his and Facebook accounts.

During the hearing, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) highlighted that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had already officially declined Sowore’s May 19 request to have the case reassigned to a different judge. Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s response in open court and agreed with the prosecution, noting that there was no instruction for the defendant to file further applications to stall the process.

“Proceed or Be Foreclosed” The prosecution strongly opposed any further delays, with Kehinde asserting that the law leaves no room for “dilatory practice” in criminal trials. He warned that the defence must either commence their case or risk being foreclosed from doing so. Following the judge’s final ruling, the matter was adjourned to Friday, June 5, for the formal opening of the defence.

Asimiyu Ajibola, the Accord Party (AP) Chairman for Osogbo Local Government Area in Osun State, is fighting for his life following a targeted shooting on Wednesday night in Osogbo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ajibola, widely known as Baba Isila, was ambushed along with his associates around 9:50 pm near the Community Bank in the MDS area. Eyewitnesses reported that suspected gunmen opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla carrying Ajibola and his friends.

One occupant of the vehicle described the terrifying ordeal, stating that the attackers chased their car while firing repeatedly. They managed to drive to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for refuge, after which the assailants fled the scene.

Ajibola sustained severe injuries in the attack and was immediately rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he remains in critical condition.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, strongly condemned the violence and demanded a swift, thorough investigation. He stressed that the attack appeared to have political undertones and urged the police to act professionally and impartially to bring the perpetrators to justice.